Posts Tagged ‘Recipe’

Earlier this week Philadelphia Cream Cheese tweeted me and asked if I would be interested in trying out a new recipe for them.  For my participation I would receive coupons and a cookbook – what a deal – two things I love!!  So here I am tonight preparing “Spaghetti a la Philly” for my family.   The recipe appears to be simple and frugal so if it tastes good, it will be added to our menu!  Okay,  here is the recipe:

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 servings (about 1 1/2 cups each)

1 pound lean ground beef
1 jar (24 ounces) Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce
1/2 package (4 ounces) Kraft Philadelphia cream cheese, cut into cubes
1/2 package (8 ounces) spaghetti, cooked and drained
2 tablespoons Kraft grated Parmesan cheese

1. Cook the beef in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring
often to separate meat.  Pour off any fat.
2. Stir the sauce and cream cheese in the skillet.  Reduce the heat to low.  Cook for 3
minutes or until the cream cheese is melted, stirring often.
3. Place the spaghetti into a large bowl.  Add the beef mixture and toss to coat.
Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

Simple enough right? They even provided us with a link to a “How to” video.  You can see it by clicking here!

Okay, so here is my finished product – the only thing I didn’t have was fresh herbs to top it with so it looks a little bland.

All in all I found this recipe to be very easy to prepare and I had fun making it.  I like the creaminess of the sauce and the flavor reminded me of Lasagna.  I am thinking I may try a little Cream Cheese in place of Cottage Cheese next time I make Lasagna!
This recipe is very similar to how we make regular Spaghetti in our home so basically the only difference was adding the Philly Cream Cheese.  Now I know the recipe only called for half of the package of Cream Cheese but since I love it so much, I put the whole thing in!  I did try the sauce with only half first but felt that it needed more for my liking.  It was a personal preference so I would suggest that if you are going to try this recipe, try it with half first and then go from there.
I hope you try this out and enjoy it as much as our family did!  This could easily be a meal for 4 for under $5.00 if you find the ingredients on sale or use a coupon!

Tastes great & frugal too!  What more could we ask for!  Two thumbs up from me!

I love pumpkin!  Pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake, pumpkin pudding, pumpkin latte,  pumpkin smoothies, pumpkin bagels and the list goes on.  It seems though this is the only time of the year that I seem to have it.  Considering the health benefits of Pumpkin, I should be eating it a lot more!

According to  The Hub Pages , Pumpkin is rich in anti oxidants.

Beta carotene—The rich orange color is a dead give away to the nutrients present in pumpkin. Research shows that people who eat a diet rich in beta-carotene are less likely to develop certain cancers than those who fail to include beta-carotene-rich foods in their diet.

Loaded with Potassium—Studies show people who have a potassium rich diet lower the risk for hypertension. Potassium rich foods include bananas, broccoli, avocados, pomegranate and many others.

Zinc—Not only is zinc a major boost for your immune system, it also aids in bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis.

High in Fiber—Diets rich in fiber may prevent cancer, heart disease and other serious ailments.

I need more Potassium & Fiber in my diet!  I have to take prescribed Potassium supplements and those things are huge!  If you have ever had to have IV Potassium,  you will absolutely want to be sure you get plenty of it naturally!

Other health benefits include being linked to a healthy prostrate, anti-inflammatory benefits for people with Arthritis & it’s also said it helps your skin look younger!

With all that being said, here is how I am helping my self and my family to be healthier!

EASY PUMPKIN MUFFINS

Easy & delicious BBQ Pulled Pork

Ingredients

• 4-6 lbs boneless pork but, roast or tenderloin
• 1 whole onion, chopped
• 1 bottle barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pepper

Place Pork in Crock Pot, add chopped onion, bbq sauce and 1cup of water.  Season with salt & pepper and cook on low for 8 – 10 hours or until Pork is easily pulled apart with a fork.  Serve on buns with Coleslaw.

Very inexpensive meal if you can find the Pork on sale!

CHICKEN SPAGHETTI

An all time family favorite in my house for about $1.00 per serving – maybe even cheaper with sales & coupons!

1 Whole Chicken – boiled, cooled & deboned (about $4.00 on sale)
1 lb Velveeta Cheese or other processed cheese loaf (Kroger brand is $3.99 for the 2 lb. loaf)
1 14 oz. can Cream of Mushroom Soup (Kroger brand is around .69 cents) Link is for a printable coupon from Campbell’s.
1 14 oz. can Cream of Chicken Soup (Kroger brand .79 cents) Link is for a printable coupon from Campbell’s.
1 12 oz. package of cooked spaghetti (around $1.00)
1 med. Bell Pepper (around .50 cents)
1 small onion (around .50 cents)
1 stalk celery (usually about $1.50 for the whole bunch)

Boil, cool & debone chicken – set aside. Boil spaghetti noodles – set aside. In med. saucepan, lightly saute onion, bell pepper & celery in butter or olive oil until just tender. Add in the soups & about 2 cups of broth from chicken. Stir well. Cut processed cheese in to small chunks and add to sauce mixture. Simmer on low heat until melted. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Add chicken and noodles, mix well. Serve with cornbread & salad. Makes about 12 servings.