Chicken Alfredo Pizza and Spinach Salad

Here is a recipe that I made using some things that I had on hand. It actually turned out pretty good so I thought I would share with you.

Chicken Alfredo Pizza

11/2-2 lbs chicken cooked and cubed
1 lb bacon cooked, crumbled
1 zucchini cubed
½ medium onion chopped
½ pkg. pre-sliced fresh mushrooms
1 c. grated mozzarella cheese
½ c. grated Parmesan cheese

Alfredo Sauce:
2 Tbsp. butter
2 oz. cream cheese
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ c. milk
1/8 c. grated Parmesan cheese
Pepper to taste

Roll out frozen and thawed loaf of bread dough. Cook crust until just barely browned. To make sauce melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring until smooth. Add milk a little at a time then stir in cheese and pepper. Saute zuchinni, onion and mushrooms with butter until tender. Spread sauce on lightly browned crust, then layer with chicken, bacon, and vegetables. Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 350 until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.

*Notes:
-try using more garlic, maybe fresh instead of garlic powder in sauce or saute veggies with minced garlic or sprinkle crust with garlic powder.
-could add spinach leaves to pizza and red bell pepper
-could use shrimp in place of chicken
-next time saute veggies in bacon grease

We ate the pizza with this yummy spinach salad:

Yummy Spinach Salad

¾ lb. spinach
½ head lettuce (can use all spinach)
½ c. swiss or mozzarella cheese, grated
1 lb. bacon, cooked and cut into small pieces
½ c. cottage cheese (opt.)
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 purple onion, sliced (opt.)

Dressing:
1 c. oil
½ c. white vinegar
½ tsp. dry mustard
½ c. sugar
½ tsp. salt
1 T. poppy seeds
1 T. grated purple onion

All I want for Christmas are my two brass deer!

So, I took my usual trip to the DI, but returned home with disappointment. Let me explain I have been on the lookout for a pair of brass deer. A few years ago I had seen a set of shiny silver deer in the potterybarn catalog and was in love, so I thought I can make those out of the old brass deer, I can just spray paint them silver. So, as I walk up to the check out counter at the DI (I usually try not to look at other people's carts) but I couldn't help but spot a pair of brass deer (just like these)in this lady's cart. I asked the lady if there were anymore and she responded "no, I'm sorry" I responded politely but lying through my teeth "that's okay" I wanted to say that's okay I have only been looking for some for over a year now. I shouldn't be hostile towards her she was nice, but she found my deer that I have been looking for! So, I guess I'll keep looking. I guess I could splurge and buy the ones off ebay, but I can't bring myself to pay that much when I know I can get them at the DI for $2! Here is what I did find at the DI:

Shoes $1 a pair, napkin holder $1.50, toilet paper holder $1.50

I'm not sure what I am going to do with this, but I know its got potential $2.00.

$1.50 Yoplait yogurt coupon!

Head over to money saving mom and she'll link you to get a $1.50 off yoplait kids cup yogurt!

Check it out 11/10

Here is what I found on blogland lately:

*Whip up has some great simple crafts, check it out here, here, here and here
*Check out thrifty decor chicks laundry room makeover
*Halloween is over but restyled home has a fun idea for witch decor
*Project Domestic Bliss has a super simple and super cute project
*I have books stashed away for this project from the nesting place
*I love making it lovely's studio!
*I want to make these blocks for Mylee's room (and would make a super cute baby shower gift)
*Need some ideas for ribbon organization? Check out little birdie secrets
*This room makes me want to finish Mylee's room
*I LOVE this coffee table! Also check out this door project
*Another project for Mylee's room (could do this with books)
*Check out this fun patchwork notebook, a great way to use scrap fabric and scrap scrapbook paper
*Great way to organize your necklaces
*More belated Halloween decor inspiration
*Did you guys get your super cheap ouchless ponytail holders?
*Are you sick of my belated Halloween projects, yet? Sorry I'll try to get them out earlier next year.
*Another amazing craft room
*Another project on my list
*I love projects made from "junk"
*Apron patterns for my vintage fabric
* Just a girl is hosting a party, check it out
*You have to check out one pretty thing, its my new favorite blog, all about DIY projects!

Sorry that was a long one but definitely worth checking out!

Creamy grape salad

Here is a recipe to use the grapes that are on sale this week:

Creamy Grape Salad

Ingredients:
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 c. sour cream
1/3 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 lbs. green seedless grapes
2 lbs. red seedless grapes
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
3 Tbsp. Chopped pecans

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla until blended. Add grapes and toss to coat. Transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans just before serving. Yields: 21 servings

Crock pot roast

Here is recipe for the Lipton dry onion soup mixes that are on sale this week:

Easy crock pot Roast
Ingredients:
Roast
2-3 garlic cloves, sliced
1 packet of dry onion soup mix
¼ -1/3 c. water

Poke roast several times with a sharp knife and insert sliced garlic cloves into the slits. Season roast with salt and pepper and brown all sides in a lightly oiled pan. (about a min per side) Place slightly browned roast into crockpot. Add packet of dry onion soup mix and water. Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or until roast is done.

For yummy gravy: pour roast drippings into a large pan. Make a roux (flour and water) and add to drippings. Bring to boil and let simmer until thickened. Serve over roast.

London Broil Marinade and Steak Fajitas

Steak Marinade

Ingredients:
¼ c. vegetable oil
¼ c. soy sauce
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
2 Tbsp. ketchup
2 Tbsp. crushed garlic
1 ½ lb. London broil

Marinade steak for about 6 to 8 hours. Broil or grill steak to desired doneness. Let rest for about 15 mins., and slice on the bias.


I love to use the leftovers from the london broil to make this recipe: (so yummy!)

Steak Fajitas with fresh Guacamole

Ingredients:
¼ c. soy sauce
¼ c. red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. light corn syrup
½ tsp. hot sauce or more to taste (opt.)
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
12 ounces leftover flank steak slices
1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
8 tortillas

Fresh Guacamole:

2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. torn or chopped cilantro leaves
Salt
lime juice optional

In a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, corn syrup, hot sauce, and pepper. Add steak, bell peppers and onion and toss to coat. Cook immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Set a large nonstick skillet or stove top grill pan over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray and add steak and vegetables, with the marinade. Saute 5 to 7 mins, until vegetables are tender-crisp. Transfer mixture to a serving platter.
To make guacamole mash avocado lightly, garlic, lime juice, and cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve fajitas with guacamole.

*Suggested sides: cilantro lime coleslaw, fresh corn

Zucchini Casserole

Here is a recipe for the chicken, zucchini and onions that are on sale this week:

Zucchini Casserole:

Ingredients:
6 c. cubed zucchini
1 c. grated carrots
¼ c. diced onion
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 c. sour cream
2 (6 oz.) pkgs. Stove top stuffing mix
1 cube butter
1 ½ lb. browned ground beef or cooked chicken

Boil together squash, carrots and onion for 10 mins. Drain and salt and pepper to taste. Add meat, undiluted soup and sour cream. Prepare stuffing mix as directed on box. Grease a cake pan. Spoon ½ of dressing mix into bottom of pan, add squash mixture and spoon ½ of dressing mix on top. Bake at 350 for 30 mins.

Grocery Deals 11/5-11/11

Albertson's:

Mix and Match spend $30 in participating items earn $15 towards your next shopping trip!

-Lipton dry coup mixes 10 for $10
-Betty crocker potatoes 10 for $10
*click here for coupons
-Green Giant frozen boxed veggies 10 for $10
*click here for coupons
-Betty crocker cookie mixes 3 for $5
*click here for coupons
-Progresso broth 3 for $5
*click here and here for coupons
-Progresso soup 3 for $5
*click here for coupons
-Betty crocker premium brownie mixes 2 for $5
*click here for coupons
-Betty crocker muffin mixes 2 for $5
*click here for coupons
-Yoplait multi pack yogurt 2 for $5
*click here for coupons
-Chex cereal 2 for $5
*click here and here for coupons
-Chex mix 2 for $5
*click here and here for coupons
-Pillsbury cookie dough 2 for $5
*click here and here for coupons
-All laundry detergent 3 for $10
*click here to register for a coupon
-Totinos pizza rolls 3 for $10
*click here for coupons

-Nestle morsels $2.29
*click here for coupons
-Albertson's chocolate chip cookies $2.99
-Dial liquid hand soap .99
-boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders 1.67/lb
-Fresh express salad 1.47
-Avocados .99 each with in ad coupon
-Mushrooms 1.69 each with in ad coupon

Lins:

-London broil 1.99/lb
-Grapes .99/lb
-WF cake mixes .69 each
-WF corn syrup 2 for $3
-C &H powdered or brown sugar 2 1b 2 for $3
-WF cooking oil 48 oz. $2.88
-yellow onions .79/lb
-zuchinni .79/lb
-WF frozen potatoes 3 for $5

Fall decor inspiration

I was going to post my Halloween inspiration but October came and went by too fast for me to get it up in time, so I thought I would share with you some fall decor inspiration:

Images found via better homes and garden, Martha Stewart, Country living, and Country Home.

Some good deals at coupon cravings

You have to go check out coupon cravings for some great deals! You can get a $2.00 off coupon for goody hair products. You can get a 2 year free subscription to wonder time magazine ( I also got a free subscription to family fun as well). You can also sign up to get a free holiday gift pack. Have fun and enjoy your freebies!

Food Storage for November

Where did October go? Sorry I haven't kept up with the posts lately it seems like life has been so busy. Just wait until the holidays really get rolling. Anyway here is the food storage plan for November:


Food Storage Month by Month
November

“Members of the Church have been instructed to personally store a year's supply of food, clothing, and, where possible, fuel. By following this counsel, most members will be prepared and able to care for themselves and their family members, and be able to share with others as may be needed.” (Elder Ezra Taft Benson as quoted in We Believe, by Rulon T. Burton)

Basic Storage:
· Quick oats 12 lbs per person
· Powdered milk 6 lbs per person

Expanded Storage:
· Baking soda and baking powder

Nonperishable item:
· Candles

Catching up on check it out 10/14

There has been lots of good things going on in blogland lately. Here are a few that are worth checking out:

*Check out 100% Cottam's cute idea on growing lollipops.
*320 Sycamore has several great ideas on a great inexpensive gift, super cute ways to change something ugly into something chic with a can of spray paint.
*Check out some of Cherry's fun vintage inspired Halloween decor.
*Go see what cobblestone farms clever way to repurpose a headboard and footboard, so cute!
*I am loving these Halloween plates from design mom.
*Check out Harrington's house dish wall display, ps how cute is her chandelier?
*I am so anxious to try trachelle's bread machine recipe using a kitchen aid.
*I also can't wait to try decorating a cake with powedered sugar using these stencils.
*how cute are these clipboard's from jane's apron?
*I've thought about doing something similar to this desk to my desk but using scrapbook paper and modge podge.
*Joys of Home has several cute ideas, check them out here, here and here
*When I have kids old enough to help out with chores I am going to make this.
*Love this tray makeover from the happy homebody.
*You have got to check out the lettered cottage. I absolutely love her style! This hutch makeover will give me inspiration for mine.
*How simple and cute is this pumpkin?
*Check out these cheap halloween decor ideas from the thrifty decor chick.
*Oh how I want this lady's craft room! Plus I've seen jersey's turned into quilts but this one just looks really cool.
*I want to make this clock.

I know this was quite a link fest but I was just blown away by all the creativity. Now I just need to buckle down and do some creating myself.

Grocery Deals 10/8-10/14

Lins is having their case lot sale going on again this week. Its a great time to stock up on food storage items. Check Albertsons for some freebies. Sorry I missed last week but I hope you got some of the great deals that were going on last week.

Albertson's:

-strawberries 1.88/lb
-salad 3 for $5
-progresso soup 10 for $10
* get some coupons here and here (soup is an October food storage item and progresso soup is great for 72 hour kits)
-Claim jumper frozen entrees
*they are actually decent for frozen food
-Green giant steameres vegetables $.99
*get coupons here and here (they are $1.00 coupons so the frozen veggies are free!)
-Nestle, Mars,Hersheys etc. candy bar bags 3 for $5
*get coupons here
-Crest toothpaste 6.4 oz 10 for $10
-Johnsonville sausage $2.99

Lins:
-Gallon milk $2.19
-red bell peppers $.79/lb
-case lot sale! Check your ad for great food storage items

Food Storage for October

Food Storage Month by Month
October

“For years we have been counseled to have on hand a year's supply of food. Yet there are some today who will not start storing until the Church comes out with a detailed monthly home storage program. Now, suppose that never happens. We still cannot say we have not been warned.”-Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.265

Basic Storage:
· Flour and wheat 65 lbs per person
· Oil 4 qts per person
· Salt 3 lbs per person

Expanded Storage:
· Canned soups and soup mixes

Nonperishable item:
· Flashlight and batteries

I will usually look around and tell you where the cheapest places are to buy the items but I have not had time the past few months so hopefully I'll be able to get around to that this month. I will also try and post some recipes soon. Hopefully you were able to stock up on the soups that were on sale last month! Also this is what I like to do and maybe it will work for you too on the basic items I will get them at the cannery if they are available ( looking at this months items, you can't get salt or oil). I like to go to the cannery 3 times a year (Jan, May, and Sept.),rather than go every month. Also just a reminder this is a lot of food to store so if you don't have the money or space to store the food buy what you can. I only have enough room to store a 3 month supply of food for 3. So, I just divide the amounts by 4 to get my 3 month supply. (i.e flour and wheat 16lbs per person, oil 1 qt per person, salt 1 lb per person) Hopefully that made sense.