Pork Stir-Fry

Serves: 4

3/4 c. orange juice
1/3 c. corn syrup
3 T. soy sauce
1 T. cornstarch
1 T. grated orange peel
1/4 t. ground ginger
2 large carrots, sliced
1 celery rib, sliced
2 T. oil, divided
1 lb. pork loin, cut into thin strips
Hot cooked rice

Combine the first six ingredients; set aside. In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, stir-fry carrots and celery in 1 tablespoon oil for 3 minutes. Remove vegetables and set aside. In the same skillet, stir-fry pork in remaining oil for 3-5 minutes or until no longer pink. Return vegetables to skillet. Stir in orange juice mixture; add to skillet. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Serve over rice.

Click here to see if there are any coupons available to go with this recipe!

Tips: This is a good, basic stir-fry with ingredients you probably have on hand. To get the orange peel just right, I use my Microplane Grater/Zester. It works great for this as well as grating chocolate. If this isn't exactly what you're looking for, check out my other stir-fry recipes. I also shared this recipe at Simply Sweet Home's Friday Favorites.


Recipe from Taste of Home 30-Minute Cookbook

Resurrection Cookies

Making cookies with your children to teach the true meaning of Easter!
These are to be made the night before Easter.

1 c. whole pecans
1 t. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch of salt
1 c. sugar
Zipper baggie
Wooden spoon
Tape
Bible

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees (this is important - don't wait until you're half done with the recipe).

1. Place the pecans in the baggie and let the kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break them into pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, he was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read John 19:1-3

2. Put the vinegar into a mixing bowl. Let each child smell the vinegar. Explain that when Jesus was on the cross and he became thirsty, he was offered vinegar to drink.

Read John 19:28-30

3. Add the egg whites to the vinegar. The eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave his life so that we could have life.

Read John 10:10-11

4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand and let them taste it. Put the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read Luke 23:27

5. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add the sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him.

Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

6. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes, until stiff peaks form. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

7. Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto a wax paper-covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus body was laid to rest.

Read Matthew 27:57-60

8. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off.

9. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

Read Matthew 27: 65-66

10. Go to bed. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight and that Jesus followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read John 16:20-22

11. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus followers were amazed to find his tomb empty.

Read Matthew 28:1-9

Tips: These cookies are a great way to give a hands-on lesson about the meaning of Easter to your kids. Last year I used mini chocolate chips instead of pecans because my daughter is allergic to nuts. Honestly, unless you have a nut allergy I would not recommend the chocolate chips. The cookies come out a bit like candy and just as sweet so the added sweetness of the chocolate chips made them a bit over the top in the sugar department. I don't know that we finished that many of them but the lesson of the cookies far outweighs the cost of the ingredients.

Recipe from my MOPS group.

I also shared this recipe at A Southern Fairy Tale, Blessed With Grace, Life as MOM, 8 Muddy Boots, Simply Sweet Home & The Grocery Cart Challenge.

Buttermilk Oatmeal Muffins

Makes: 12 muffins

1 c. quick-cooking oats
1 c. buttermilk *see notes for alternates to buttermilk
1 egg
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. oil
1 c. flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt

In a large bowl, soak oats in buttermilk for 10 minutes. Stir in egg, brown sugar and oil. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir into oat mixture until just moistened. Fill greased muffin tin three-fourths full. Bake at 400 degrees for 16-18 minutes. Cool in pan 5 minutes before removing to wire rack.

Click here to see if there are any coupons available to go with this recipe!

Tips: These were delicious muffins that we used as bread with our dinner. They have a hint of sweetness that goes great with butter and jam for breakfast or just with butter to go with dinner. If you don't have buttermilk, measure 1 tablespoon of vinegar into a one cup measuring cup then fill with milk up to the 1 cup line. These muffins were featured at Simply Sweet Home's Sweet Thursday. I also shared this recipe at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday and Somewhat Simple's Strut Your Stuff Thursday.

Recipe from Taste of Home 30-Minute Cookbook

New Coupons - March 27

Here are the new coupons this week:
(these are also included in the full list in the coupons post)

Coupons.com
Sargento Natural Cheese Snacks, 5 oz. or larger - 55¢ off
Hillshire Farms Thick Carved Hearty Slices Lunchmeat - 55¢ off
Jell-O Gelatin Snacks - 75¢ off
Banquet Dinners, Pot Pies & Fruit Pies - Buy Two, Get One Free
Kentucky Legend Ham or Turkey Breast - $2.00 off
Nestle NestEggs - $1.00 off 2
Fiber One Toaster Pastries - 55¢ off
Filippo Berio Olive Oil - $1.00 off
Wonka Jelly Beans - $1.00 off 2
New York Style Premium Deli Snacks - $1.00 off
Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands Biscuits - 30¢ off 2
Uncle Ben's Original Converted Rice - $1.00 off 2
Eight O'Clock Coffee - $1.00 off

Cool Savings (click on "Printable Coupons")
Pompeian Olive Oil - $1.00 off
Pompeian Vinegar - 50¢ off
Marie's Yogurt Dressing - $1.00 off
Odawalla Superfoods - $1.00 off 2

Cold Stone Creamery - Two Like It Size Creations for $5.00

Red Plum
No new coupons this week

Cellfire - can be saved until 4/5/10
New list available to be saved starting this last Tuesday, 3/23
Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix - 75¢ off 2
Betty Crocker Cookie mix and Frosting tub (Safeway only) - $1.00 off 2
Star Olive Oil (Safeway & some Kroger stores only) - $1.00 off
*Coupons listed are those that were not available in the last Cellfire cycle
If you are not familiar with Cellfire, please read my Cellfire post to help get yourself acquainted with this free, clipless coupon service.

Skinny Cow Cup - Buy Two, Get One Free
Scotties Tissues - $1.00 off (Become fan on Facebook, say "no" to Are you a Scotties user?)
Huggies Diapers - $3.00 off
Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials - $2.00 off 3
New Nestle offers including Nesquik, Juicy Juice, Ovaltine, Hot Cocoa, Stouffer's & Toll House Morsels
Sara Lee Frozen Dessert - $1.00 off
French Meadow Bakery products - 4 coupons available

Free Samples
Special K Protein Meal Bar

Happy Saving!

Sausage Rice Skillet

Serves: 4

1 lb. ground pork sausage
1/2 c. onion, diced
1/2 c. green pepper, diced
1 pkg. (6.9 oz.) chicken-flavored rice mix
2 1/2 c. water

Cook sausage in large skillet over medium heat until it begins to brown; add onion and pepper. Continue cooking until sausage is done and onion and pepper are tender; drain. Add seasoning packet from rice mix; stir well. Add rest of mix; saute 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat; simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is cooked.

Click here to see if there are any coupons available to go with this recipe!

Tips: The original recipe called for spicy sausage but I found sweet sausage on sale plus I was afraid that my kids would find the spicy sausage too much to handle. So either variety should work fine. Look for chicken rice mix (I think I used Rice-a-Roni) to go on sale then keep it in the pantry until you find sausage on sale. If you live at higher altitude, make sure to watch the rice. It might need an extra 1/2 cup of water before it gets completely cooked. I also shared this recipe at Momtrends' Food Friday.

Recipe from Cheap & Easy Recipes Cookbook (Gooseberry Patch)

Cinnamon Cream Syrup

Makes: 1 2/3 cups

1 c. sugar
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1/4 c. water
2/3 c. evaporated milk
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. cinnamon

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Store leftover syrup in the refrigerator.

Click here to see if there are any coupons available to go with this recipe!

Tips: If you are a cinnamon fan, you'll love this creamy cinnamon syrup over your breakfast. We had it with Oat Waffles, but it would also be great with Easy Waffles or Overnight Pancakes. Even if you usually use store-bought syrup, keep this recipe in mind in case you find yourself craving waffles, pancakes or french toast but realize you're out of syrup. I also shared this recipe at 8 Muddy Boots' From Scratch.

Recipe from Taste of Home's 2004 Quick Cooking Annual Recipes

New Coupons - March 19

Since I didn't do a new coupons post last Friday, these coupons are new since my last new coupons post on March 5th:
(these are also included in the full list in the coupons post)

Coupons.com
Caribou Coffee 12 oz. bag - $1.00 off
Challenge Dairy Butter - 55¢ off
Chex Mix 4.5 oz or larger or 100 Calorie Snacks - 50¢ off
Delizza Patisserie, Any product - $1.00 off
Diamond Crystal Sea Salt - 50¢ off
Good Earth Tea - $1.00 off
Huggies Diapers - $3.00 off
Lifesavers Strings N Rings single serve pouch - 50¢ off
Lifesavers Jelly Beans, 14 oz. bag - $1.00 off 2
Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls - 50¢ off 2
Yoplait Yogurt cups - 50¢ off 6

Rite Aid - Save $3.00 off $15.00 or more

Cool Savings (click on "Printable Coupons")
Bob Evans Sausage - 35¢ off
Fruit 2 Day - $1.00 off
Hershey's Easter candy - $2.00 off 3
Lance 8-ct. Sandwich Crackers - $1.00 off
Land O Lakes Butter - 50¢ off 2
Land O Lakes Spreadable butter - 50¢ off
Stevia All-Natural Zero Calorie Sweetener - 40¢ off
Sweet'N Low, Any product except 50 ct. - 35¢ off

Red Plum
C & H Sugar, Any product 2 lbs. or larger - 40¢ off
Dannon Danimals Coolision or Dan-o-nino yogurt - 55¢ off
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt - 30¢ off
Diamond Crystal Sea Salt - 50¢ off
Filippo Berio Olive Oil - $1.00 off
Florida Crystals Natural & Organic Sugar Product - 50¢ off
Honeysuckle White Fresh or Frozen Turkey - $1.00 off
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, Any product - 50¢ off
Promise Spread - $1.00 off
Slim Jim Canister, 16 ct. or larger - $1.00 off

Cellfire - can be saved until 3/22/10
*Coupons listed are those that were not available in the last Cellfire cycle
Betty Crocker Box or Pouch Potatoes - 40¢ off
Betty Crocker Cake mix and Frosting tub (Safeway only) - $1.00 off 2
Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake Mix (Safeway only) - 75¢ off
Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix (Safeway only) - 50¢ off
Betty Crocker Warm Delights Bowls or Minis (Safeway only) - $1.00 off
Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix (Kroger stores only) - 75¢ off
Betty Crocker Warm Delights Bowls or Minis (Kroger stores only) - 50¢ off
Bisquick Baking Mix, 20 oz. or larger or Shake n Pour (Safeway only) - 75¢ off
Cheerios Selected varieties - 75¢ off
Pillsbury Frozen Grands Biscuits - 75¢ off 2
Pillsbury Refrigerated Holiday Cookies - 75¢ off 2
Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough - $1.00 off 2
Romano's Macaroni Grill Dinner Kit - $1.00 off
Yoplait 32 oz. Yogurt - 55¢ off
If you are not familiar with Cellfire, please read my Cellfire post to help get yourself acquainted with this free, clipless coupon service.

Stacy's Pita Chips - Buy One, Get One Free
Planters Peanuts - $1.50 off (Become a fan on Facebook)
Progresso Soup - $1.00 off 3
Sister Shubert product - $1.00 off ("Get Coupon" button on left side)
Land O'Frost Bistro Favorites - Buy One, Get One Free
Boost Kid Essentials Drink - $5.00 off
Wish-Bone Dressing - 75¢ off
Chiquita Frozen Smoothies - $1.00 off 2
Starbucks Ice Cream - $1.00 off
Sue Bee Honey - $1.00 off
Post Natural Advantage Cereal (includes Raisin Bran, Shredded Wheat & Grape Nuts) - $2.00 off (Bottom left corner to sign-up for newsletter & e-mail coupon)

Free Samples
Better Oats Oatmeal
Ritz Munchables - Become a fan on Facebook

Happy Saving!

Chunky Potato Soup

Serves: 4-6

2 c. water
2 chicken bouillon cubes
3 c. potatoes, peeled & cubed
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/2 c. celery, thinly sliced
3/4 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1/2 t. parsley
2 c. milk, divided
2 T. flour
1 c. sour cream
1-2 T. green onion, chopped

In a large saucepan, combine water, bouillon, potatoes, onion, celery, salt and pepper; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add 1 3/4 cups of milk and parsley. Combine flour with remaining milk; stir to form a smooth paste. Add to soup, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 3 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Add a small amount of hot liquid to sour cream; stir to mix. Gradually add to soup, stirring constantly; heat through but do not boil. Sprinkle with green onion.

Click here to see if there are any coupons available to go with this recipe!

Tips: This was a very tasty potato soup despite the lack of any flashy or fancy ingredients. It does take a few extra bowls to put everything together but the prep really isn't that bad. Since I live at high altitude it always seems to take longer for soups and sauces to get thickened and bubbly so keep that in mind if you are in this situation too. Warm soup is always enjoyed with your choice of quick bread or from the bread machine. I also shared this recipe at Simply Sweet Home's Friday Favorites and Balancing Beauty & Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday.

Recipe from Taste of Home 30-Minute Cookbook

Asian-Style Country Ribs

Serves: 4

2 lbs. country-style pork ribs
Pepper
1/4 c. teriyaki sauce
1/4 c. orange marmalade
2 T. ketchup
1 garlic clove, minced

Rub each rib with pepper. Place in a single layer in crock pot. Combine teriyaki sauce, marmalade, ketchup and garlic. Pour evenly over ribs. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Click here to see if there are any coupons available to go with this recipe!

Tips: I love cooking country-style pork ribs in the crock pot because they always come out so moist and tender. They usually fall right off the bone. These were great served over hot, cooked rice. You can use the extra sauce in the crock pot to put over your rice. Serve this with some cooked veggies or a salad and dinner's served! If you need some other options for your country-style ribs, try Oven-Barbecued Ribs or Saucy Country Ribs.

Recipe from CD Kitchen

Sandwich Thins Winners

Congratulations to JC, Melissa, Donna & denise with yahoo e-mail who are the winners of the Oroweat/Arnolds Sandwich Thins Prize Pack thanks to House Party. They will each be sent an e-mail to let them know they have won. If they do not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to everyone who entered! I am in the process of working on some new giveaways for my Recipes for Moms readers and I've got a lot of great recipes coming up as well.

Comfort Meatballs

Serves: 6

Meatballs
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
3/4 c. quick oats
1 c. milk
2 T. minced onion
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper

2 T. oil
1/2 c. flour

Sauce
1 c. ketchup
2 T. sugar
3 T. vinegar
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
3 T. minced onion

In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients (excluding oil & flour); mix well. Roll into tablespoon-size meatballs and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to firm. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Roll each meatball in flour and cook in the oil until light brown. Once they are browned, place them in a greased rectangular baking dish. In a small bowl, stir together sauce ingredients and pour evenly over meatballs. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until bubbly and hot.

Click here to see if there are any coupons available to go with this recipe!

Tips: These were delicious meatballs and are great over hot mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. If you like a lot of sauce then you might want to double the recipe although I felt this amount was adequate. I always find it easiest to mix meat with my KitchenAid Stand Mixer - it saves your arm the trouble. Also if you want a great new cookbook The Pioneer Woman Cooks has great recipes and beautiful pictures. It almost makes me want to ranch and have no cow experience whatsoever! I also shared this recipe at The Grocery Cart Challenge's Recipe Swap.

Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl

Oat Waffles

Makes: 8-10 waffles

1 3/4 c. milk
2 eggs
2 T. canola oil
1 t. vanilla
1 c. quick oats
1 c. flour
4 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt

In a food processor or food chopper, process the dry oats until well chopped. In a large mixing bowl, add oats and milk and let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk in the eggs, followed by oil and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Ladle onto hot waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer's directions. Serve with syrup or fresh fruit.

Click here to see if there are any coupons available to go with this recipe!

Tips: I was so glad to find a way to add some whole grains into a traditionally sweet and highly refined breakfast. My whole family gobbled down our oat waffles and they kept us full. If you prefer a more traditional waffle, try Easy Waffles. I also shared this recipe at Life as MOM's Recipe Swap.

Recipe adapted from Cook with Sara

New Coupons - March 5

Here are the new coupons I found this week:
(these are also included in the full list in the coupons post)

Coupons.com
Alaska Seafood Pollock, Cod or Breaded products - $1.00 off
Alpine Lace Deli Cheese, 1 lb. - $1.00 off
Alpine Lace Deli Cheese package - $1.00 off 2
Land O Lakes Deli Cheese, 1 lb. - $1.00 off
Land O Lakes Deli Cheese package - $1.00 off 2
Purely Decadent Non-dairy Frozen Dessert (soy or coconut) - $1.00 off

Cool Savings (click on "Printable Coupons")
Duncan Hines Whole Grain Muffin Mix - 75¢ off

Red Plum
No new coupons

Cellfire - can be saved until 3/8/10
New coupons available to save but no new items
* If you are not familiar with Cellfire, please read my Cellfire post to help get yourself acquainted with this free, clipless coupon service.

Milton's product - $1.00 off
Lunchables lunch combination - $1.00 off (Make a lunch note promise)
Starburst candy - Buy One, Get One Free (Become a fan on Facebook)
Skittles candy - Buy One, Get One Free (Become a fan on Facebook)
Hidden Valley Salad Dressing - $1.00 off
Kellogg's Fruit Snacks - $1.00 off
Kashi Heart to Heart cereal or crackers (click on "Get a Coupon") - $1.50 off
* This is a different coupon than the ones that have been available in previous weeks

Free Samples
Ideal No Calorie Sweetener
Vitamin Water - Free coupon on Facebook
Sun Chips - Free coupon on Facebook
Enfamil Tolerance formula - Click on link at right

Happy Saving!

Honey Lime Chicken

Serves: 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 t. garlic salt
1 T. oil
1 can (20 oz.) sliced pineapple
1/4 c. honey
3 T. lime juice
1 T. soy sauce
2 t. cornstarch
Lime wedges, optional

Sprinkle chicken with garlic salt. In a large skillet, brown chicken in oil over medium-high heat. Drain pineapple, reserving juice. Add 1/4 cup juice to skillet; set remaining juice aside. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 6-8 minutes or until chicken juices run clear. Remove chicken and keep warm. Combine honey, lime juice, soy sauce, cornstarch and remaining pineapple juice; pour into skillet. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring for 1-2 minutes. Add pineapple; heat through. Pour sauce over chicken; garnish with lime wedges if desired.

Click here to see if there are any coupons available to go with this recipe!

Tips: This lightly sweet chicken dish was easy to put together. I actually poured the sauce out of the skillet before adding the pineapple. I did this because I wanted the pineapple to have a little flavor from the sauce but still retain most of its pineapple flavor. We served this over hot, cooked rice. If you like the chicken and lime combination, then try Lime-Salsa Chicken too. I also shared this recipe at The Grocery Cart Challenge's Recipe Swap.

Recipe from Taste of Home 30-Minute Cookbook

Sausage Stew

Serves: 5-6

1 pkg. (16 oz.) smoked sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 can (14.5 oz. each) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 t. basil
1/4 t. crushed red pepper
1/4 t. salt

In a large skillet, cook sausage, onion and garlic over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Add bell peppers and zucchini; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add stewed tomatoes with liquid, basil, crushed pepper and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. cover; simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Click here to see if there are any coupons available to go with this recipe!

Tips: I don't cook with smoked sausage very often mostly because it is not exactly the healthiest of meats. However, when I find a good sale I'll usually pick one up and find a new recipe to go with it. This stew was filling and I loved all the different vegetables it uses. It would be great in the fall if you have fresh veggies from your garden. Try making some bread to go with this stew such as Baking Soda Biscuits, Yogurt Cornbread or Easy Cornbread or plan ahead and make White Rice Bread in the bread machine.

If your family enjoys mushrooms, they could be added with the bell peppers and zucchini but my husband won't touch them with a ten-foot pole. He also has a thing about large chunks of hot tomatoes so he was not too pleased about the stewed tomatoes. When I make this again, I will either cut or blend up the tomatoes to avoid that issue. I also shared this recipe at Simply Sweet Home's Friday Favorites.

Recipe adapted from 365 Favorite Brand Name Slow Cooker Recipes & More

General Mills Cereal Winners

I'm sorry this is so overdue! The winners of the free coupon for a box of General Mills cereal are cdzuiba and erma. They have both been sent an e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you all who entered! Don't forget to enter the Sandwich Thins Prize Pack Giveaway which ends Sunday, March 7th.