Budget Help

For all of you cash-strapped cooks out there, we would like to spread some of our magic your way. No gimmicks or running to 80 different stores to save 50 cents for us, these are just simple, easy to follow tips.

First, always focus on the cost of your meat. This will make or break the cost of your meal, so take your time before you buy. When you see a good price, stock up and then remember to use it!

Second, try to use what you already have. No one benefits (especially your budget) when items are in your pantry or deep freeze for years.

Many grocery stores have a special area for produce that is almost bad. These items work great when chopped, washed and frozen.

When we are careful with our money, it can benefit more people than you can even realize. You can do it!!

Flu Bug Beater

Both of our families have been hit with a nasty flu bug. We are convinced this recipe has magical powers. Like all of our recipes this freezes well and is forgiving, so add or modify ingredients as you need to.

Chicky Noodle Soup

1 1/2 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
4 carrots chopped
4 celery stalks chopped
1/2 onion chopped
8 cups chicken broth
1 box Barilla Campanelle noodles
salt and pepper to taste

Throw all of these in a pot and simmer all day (or use your crock pot). Wellness is coming.

A Favorite Recipe

We found this recipe a while back and our families have both enjoyed it.

Barbe Cups - makes 20 cups
1 1/2 lbs ground beef, browned
1 C BBQ sauce
1 T minced onion
2 T brown sugar
20 refrigerated biscuits in a tube
2 C shredded cheddar cheese

Mix all ingredients together and simmer for flavors to meld.
Freeze in two small tupperware containers.
To Serve: thaw meat and spread one biscuit out and put in cup of muffin tin. Spoon meat mixture in middle of each biscuit. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake according to biscuit directions on tube or until golden brown. Can also serve on buns like sloppy joes.

Journal Gazette Tells Our Story

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette featured an article in their paper yesterday about us. It gives some information on our story, our business and the classes that we are preparing to give in Fort Wayne next week and next month. Check it out at: http://www.journalgazette.net

(Photo was taken by the Journal Gazette photographer Dean Musser Jr.)

Classes Offered

We will be giving an introductory class available through the Fort Wayne Community Schools Neighborhood Connection Program. These classes will be given on February 25, 2008 and March 26, 2008. Click on "Courses Offered" at www.neighborhood-connection.org and check us out under the culinary class section for more information.

Recipe Help

Sometimes finding recipes to freeze is tricky. Here's our four-step method to help get you on your way:

1. SEARCH
Use your library, used bookstores, and garage sales to find used cookbooks for cheap. Also look for Taste of Home or Simple & Delicious back issues.

2. SINGLE OUT
On a post-it note stuck to the cover of your cookbook, write the name and page number of recipes that seem good to try.

3. SELECT
Narrow down recipes based on what's on sale, budget, and what will freeze well.

4. SAVE
Save only the recipes your family likes in a database, index card, filing system, etc whatever is easiest for you.

If recipe selection still is overwhelming, feel free to use our services for tried and true meals that freeze well and are delicious.

Freezer Tip:

As we freeze meals, we label each container with the name of the dish as well as the cooking instructions so that we don't have to hunt for the receipes. You can write directly on the aluminum foil or add a label to a tupperware container.