New Coupons - May 28

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

Coupons.com
Huggies Pure & Natural diapers - $3.00 off
Lawry's Marinade - 50¢ off
Lifesavers Mint or Hard Candy Peg Bags - $1.00 off 2
Minute Maid 89 oz. or 128 oz. bottle - $1.50 off
Nabisco Multi-packs - $1.00 off 2
Purely Decadent Non-dairy Frozen Dessert (soy or coconut) - $1.00 off
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew pack - $1.00 off

Cool Savings (click on "Printable Coupons")
Blue Diamond Almond Breeze carton - 55¢ off
Dole Pineapple juice - $1.00 off 2
Huggies Baby Wipes - $2.50 off 3
Pompeian Olive Oil - $1.00 off
Pompeian Vinegar - 50¢ off
Vlasic Pickles, Peppers or Relish - 55¢ off

Red Plum
Met-Rx Big 100 or Protein Plus Bars - $2.00 off 2
Welsh's Fruit Snacks - 40¢ off

Cellfire - can be saved until 5/31/10
New list available to be saved starting last Tuesday, 5/18
If you are not familiar with Cellfire, please read my Cellfire post to help get yourself acquainted with this free, clipless coupon service.

Tree Top product - $1.00 off 2
Orville Redenbacher's Cheddar Cheese or Spicy Nacho popcorn - $1.00 off
Better Oats oatmeal - 55¢ off
Yoplait Delights - $1.00 off
Regina Vinegar - $1.00 off
Borden Single Sensation cheese - $1.00 off (Click on "Get Special Savings")
Hidden Valley Farmhouse Originals - $1.00 off
International Delight creamer - 55¢ off

Free Samples
Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayo

Happy Saving!

Sweet & Sour Crockpot Pork

Serves: 4-6

5 boneless pork chops
1 T. oil
1 can (15 oz.) crushed pineapple
1/2 c. green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 c. water
1/3 c. brown sugar
2 T. ketchup
1 T. quick-cooking tapioca
3 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
Hot, cooked rice

In a large skillet, brown pork chops in oil on both sides. Drain fat. Transfer to crock pot. In a bowl, combine remaining ingredients(except rice); mix well. Pour over pork chops. Cover and cook for 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Serve over rice.

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

Tips: This was a tasty crock pot meal that didn't take too much work to put together. If tapioca is not something you normal keep on hand consider adding a small box to your pantry. It is nice for thickening stews such as French Beef Stew. I haven't tried tapioca pudding yet but I keep thinking that I should give it a try. I'll let you know how it turns out. I also shared this recipe at Simply Sweet Home's Friday Favorites.

Recipe from 365 Favorite Brand Name Slow Cooker Recipes & More

Cranberry Chicken Bake

Serves: 4-6

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
1 small onion, chopped
1 c. fresh cranberries
3/4 c. water
1/4 c. tomato paste
2 T. red wine vinegar
2 t. onion powder
1/2 t. sugar
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper

Arrange the chicken pieces in a greased 13 x 9 baking dish. Sprinkle the onion on top, then the cranberries. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients until well blended. Pour the sauce over the cranberries and chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until chicken juices run clear.

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

Tips: This chicken dish had a nice, slightly tart cranberry flavor and was great served with rice. I don't know how easy it is to find fresh cranberries right now but I bought extra bags when they went on sale after the holidays and stuck them in the freezer. I also shared this recipe at Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free's Slightly Indulgent Tuesday.

Recipe from Bake until Bubbly: The Ultimate Casserole Cookbook

New Coupons - May 22

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

Coupons.com
Activia Yogurt, 4-pack - 50¢ off
Bacardi Frozen Mixers - $1.00 off 3
Birds Eye Viola! - $1.00 off
Burger King Snacks, 3 oz. or larger - $1.00 off 2
Genesis Today Veggie Blast juice - $1.50 off
Genesis Today Kiwi Probiotics Yogurt Smoothie - $1.50 off
Huggies Baby Wipes Tub and Refill - $2.00 off
Huggies Baby Wipes Tubs - $2.00 off 2
Kraft 100 Calorie Pack Cheese Bites - $1.00 off
Oscar Meyer Lunchmeats - $1.00 off 2
Oscar Meyer Hog Dogs - $1.00 off 2
Ovaltine, Any product - $1.00 off
PureVia Zero Calorie All Natural Sweetener - 75¢ off
TGI Friday's Snacks, 4 oz. or larger - $1.00 off 2

Cool Savings (click on "Printable Coupons")
No new coupons this week

Red Plum
Dannon Dan-o-nino or Danimals Coolision 6-pk - 55¢ off
Lee Kum Kee, Any product - 55¢ off
Luigi's Real Italian Ice - 50¢ off

Cellfire - can be saved until 5/31/10
New list available to be saved starting this last Tuesday, 5/18
Ice Cream Flavored Syrup - 75¢ off

If you are not familiar with Cellfire, please read my Cellfire post to help get yourself acquainted with this free, clipless coupon service.

Athenos Hummus - Buy One, Get One Free (Facebook)
Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Plus bread - 75¢ off (Facebook)
Lean Cuisine entree - $1.00 off 2
Pam Grilling spray - $1.00 off
Eagle Mills Flour - $1.00 off

Free Samples
Taster Choice Coffee packet

Happy Saving!

The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook Review

If you like to cook, you are probably always intrigued by new cookbooks. (I know I am!) So you pick one up and thumb through it and try to get a sense of whether or not it is your type of cookbook. For me, "my type" of cookbook is basically anything that goes along with the theme of this site. That means quick, easy and uses everyday ingredients usually found in my pantry. I'm always bummed when I get a new cookbook or check one out from the library only to get it home and realize that it's not "my type". What a waste of time!

So if your favorite "type" of cookbook is similar to mine, especially if you're on a budget, let me introduce you to The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook. Written by Erin Chase of $5 Dinners.com, this cookbook has over 200 dinner recipes all for $5.00 or under. The amazing thing about the $5 is that includes your main dish as well as a side dish! Erin even breaks down the prices of each item so you can see how she came up with the cost. These recipes typically feed 4 people and depending on the appetite of your kids, you might even end up with leftovers.

Here are a few of the recipes we've tried so far: Garlic Pork Chops with Garlic Mashed Potatoes on the side, Lentil-Mashed Potato Bake, Red Pepper Rotini and Basic Vinaigrette. As you can see by some of the comments these recipes have received, people are excited about making these dinners.

Let me put aside a couple concerns you may have. First, Erin does a great job using wholesome ingredients and avoiding a lot of processed foods. She even has recipes for homemade breads and sauces in order to cut down on costs and increase nutrition. Second, there truly is a breadth of variety in this book. After her first few chapters on grocery shopping, couponing and meal planning the recipe are broken down as follows: Pasta and Pizza Dinners, Chicken and Turkey Meals, Beef Meals, Pork Meals, Fish and Seafood, Soups and Stews, Vegetarian Meals and Homemade Recipes.

If you are looking for a new cookbook to add to your stash, I highly recommend The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook. Right now it is on sale at Amazon for only $8.24 plus shipping. I don't know how long that price will last but there's no time like the present!

Disclosure: I received one copy of The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook for review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.

Red Pepper Rotini

Serves: 4

1/2 pkg. (8 oz.) rotini pasta
1 red bell pepper
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 tsp. olive oil
1/2 c. homemade Basic Vinaigrette dressing
1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Cut bell pepper in half lengthwise and remove stem & seeds. Place pepper halves in a baking dish and roast in oven for 10-15 minutes; turning once. Let cool and dice. In a small skillet, saute chicken in oil for 8-10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Add chicken, roasted pepper, vinaigrette and cheese to pasta and toss to coat. Serve hot.

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

Tips: I was so impressed by this simple dinner and by the flavor of the roasted red pepper. Be sure to make the Basic Vinaigrette dressing either before you start or while the chicken and pasta are cooking. Use the leftover dressing on your salad, cooked vegetables or for another meal. I roasted the red pepper in my toaster oven to save having to turn on the regular oven. Again, in my haste to get dinner on the table I forgot to take a picture. Next time we make this meal I will be sure to add a picture because it was really a very pretty dish.

Recipe from The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook

Basic Vinaigrette

Makes: about 1 cup

1/4 c. red wine vinegar
1/2 c. olive oil
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

In a small bottle or plastic container, mix all ingredients and shake well.

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

Tips: It is wonderful to have recipes on hand for homemade dressing in case you find yourself out of regular store-bought dressing. Truly, homemade dressing is probably the way we all should go to avoid the extra preservatives. This dressing has a great flavor and is useful for adding to your salads, veggies and even pasta (try it with Red Pepper Rotini). Olive oil does tend to congeal so it's best to take it out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before you need to use it.

Recipe from The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook

Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos

Makes 6-8 burritos

1 dozen eggs
1/2 c. milk
1 c. Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 lb. breakfast meat of your choice, cooked & chopped
1 package tortillas

Break eggs into a large bowl. Add milk and whisk until scrambled In a large skillet, cook over medium-high heat, mixing in meat towards the end of cooking. For each burrito, place a tortilla on a paper towel then add a scoop of scrambled eggs and top with a handful of cheese. Wrap each burrito in the paper towel and then in a piece of foil. When finished with all burritos, put them in a zip-top bag and place in the freezer.

When ready to eat, remove burrito from foil and place on a microwave-safe plate still wrapped in paper towel. Microwave on high 2 to 2 1/2 minutes (depending on the wattage of your microwave), turning over once. Serve with salsa or taco sauce, if desired.

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

Tips: It is great to have a healthy, filling breakfast ready to go in your freezer. My husband has used these several times when he had to leave the house early. The number of burritos you make will also depend on the size of tortilla you choose to use. Watch for eggs to go on sale ($1.00/dozen is a great price) then buy an extra carton for making these burritos. I also shared this recipe at We Are THAT Family's Works-For-Me Wednesday.

Recipe from Daily Essentials and Deals

Garlic White Sauce

Makes: 2 cups

4 T. butter
4 T. flour
2 c. milk
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 t. Italian seasoning
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper

Melt butter over low heat in a saucepan. Add in minced garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in flour to make a smooth paste. Increase heat to medium; slowly add milk and seasonings. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until sauce thickens. Serve over pasta or vegetables.

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

Tips: I adapted this recipe from a plain white sauce into one with a bit more flavor. Two cups of sauce should be enough to serve over pasta for four people. If you were using it over veggies, you could probably half the recipe. I also added chicken on top of the pasta before pouring the sauce over and it was excellent. Let me know if there are any other uses you come up with for this sauce. I also shared this recipe at Designs by Gollum's Foodie Friday & Somewhat Simple's Strut Your Stuff Thursday.

Recipe adapted from Cooking Secrets My Mother Never Taught Me

New Coupons - May 13

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

Coupons.com
Campbell's Chunky Soup - $1.00 off 2
Filippo Berio Olive Oil - $1.00 off
Huggies Little Movers or Little Snugglers diapers - $3.00 off
Huggies Snug & Dry diapers - $3.00 off
Huggies Little Swimmers swim pants - $1.50 off
Jamba All Natural Smoothies - $1.00 off
LaCroix Sparkling Water, 8 or 12-pack - $1.25 off
Minute Ready to Serve Rice - 50¢ off
Smart Balance Omega-3 Dozen Large Eggs - 50¢ off
Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice - $1.00 off 2

Cool Savings (click on "Printable Coupons")
Equal 0 Calorie Sweetener - $1.00 off
Huggies Little Movers or Little Snugglers diapers - $4.00 off 2
Jose Ole, Any product - $1.00 off

Red Plum
Welsh's Fruit Snacks - 40¢ off

Cellfire - can be saved until 5/17/10
New list available to be saved starting last Tuesday, 5/4
If you are not familiar with Cellfire, please read my Cellfire post to help get yourself acquainted with this free, clipless coupon service.

Tornados snacks - $1.00 off
Oscar Meyer Deli Fresh Meat - $1.00 off
Oscar Meyer Turkey Bacon - $1.00 off
Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs - Buy One, Get One Free (Facebook)
Perdue Perfect Portion Chicken - $1.00 off
V8 V-Fusion - $1.00 off
Emerald Cashews - $1.00 off
General Mills Kids cereal - $1.50 off 2

Free Samples
I didn't see any new food samples this week. Leave a comment if you found a good one!

Happy Saving!

Porcupine Meatballs

Serves: 4-6

1/2 c. uncooked long grain rice
1/2 c. water
1/3 c. onion, chopped
1 t. salt
1/2 tsp. celery salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1 lb. ground beef
2 T. oil
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1 c. water
2 T. brown sugar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Crumble beef over top and mix well. Shape into 1 1/2-inch balls. In a large skillet, cook meatballs in oil over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over meatballs. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour.

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

Tips: These meatballs were tasty and easy to put together. I think the picture looks a little more like meat lumps in tomato sauce but you'll have to take my word that they were good. I always find it easiest to mix ground meat with my KitchenAid Stand Mixer. It saves you from having to worry if you got all the ingredients mixed in evenly. In case this isn't quite what you're looking for, check out my other meatball recipes. I also shared this recipe at Tidymom's I'm Lovin' It Fridays.

Recipe from Taste of Home Mom's Best Meals

Parmesan Chicken Breasts

Serves: 4

1/2 c. grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1/4 c. bread crumbs
1 t. oregano
1 t. parsley
1/4 t. paprika
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 T. butter, melted

Mix cheese, bread crumbs and seasonings in a shallow bowl. Dip chicken in melted butter then coat with crumb mixture. Place in a greased 13 x 9 baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until cooked though.

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

Tips: These simple baked chicken breasts had a great flavor and looked good too. There are a variety of side dishes that will complement these such as buttery, garlic noodles, cooked veggies or just a simple green salad. I also shared this recipe at Harrigan Howdy's Recipe Share Party & Simply Sweet Home's Friday Favorites.

Recipe from Favorite Brand Name Best-Loved Recipes of All Time

New Coupons - May 7

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

Coupons.com
Hormel Pepperoni packs - 55¢ off 2
Hormel Party Tray - $2.00 off
Libby's Fruit - $1.00 off 2
Libby's Canned Vegetables - $1.00 off 3
Reser's Deli Salad - 55¢ off
Reser's Deli Salad - $1.00 off 2
Sister Shubert's Homemade Rolls - 50¢ off
Splenda, Any product - $1.00 off
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew - $1.00 off

Cool Savings (click on "Printable Coupons")
Butterball Fully Cooked Turkey Breast Roast - $1.00 off
Butterball Premium Turkey Franks - 75¢ off
Kikkoman Ponzu sauce - $1.00 off

Red Plum
David Seeds - $1.00 off 2
Kellogg's, Any cereal - $1.00 off 2
Tanimura & Antle Artisan Lettuce - 55¢ off

Cellfire - can be saved until 5/17/10
New list available to be saved starting this last Tuesday, 5/4 (very small this cycle)
Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie mix box - 75¢ off 2
Betty Crocker Warm Delights Bowls or Minis - 50¢ off
Cheerios Multigrain cereal - 55¢ off
Kix cereal - 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.

New Upromise eCoupons are out for May! If you are not familiar with the Upromise program or their eCoupons, read my Upromise post.

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Cup - Buy Two, Get One Free (Facebook)
Tropicana or Trop 50 Juice - $1.00 off
La Creme Yogurt - $1.00 off
International Delights creamer - $1.00 off (Facebook)
TGIF Skillet Meals - $2.00 off
Red Baron Pizza by the Slice - $2.00 off (Facebook)
Morningstar Farms product - $1.00 off
Lindsay Green Olives - $1.00 off (Facebook)
Sun-Rype products - 4 coupons (3 are BOGO)
Olivia's Organics - $1.00 off

Free Samples
Libby's Can (Facebook)
Kraft Summer Pack (Facebook)

Happy Saving!

Join the National Consumer Panel

Last summer I joined the National Consumer Panel (know previously as Nielsen Homescan) because I am a self-proclaimed "grocery nerd". I like answering surveys, clipping coupons, shopping the sales, etc. With NCP I like the opportunity to make a difference with companies and marketers by letting them know what I buy and why.

By joining the National Consumer Panel, you make a difference in the products you see on store shelves, pricing, coupons and more. The way it works is simple: Once approved, NCP will send you a handheld scanner to record your retail and online purchases. After shopping you simply scan the barcodes on the items and then submit your information once a week. Not everyone in every area will be eligible but they will let you know after you answer a few questions.

NCP has a great rewards catalog which includes brand name electronics, accessories, kitchen tools and more. Right now I am saving up the points I earn for a new DVD player. Our current DVD player is about to die and we are huge movie watchers. In a few months I should have enough points for it and that is having only been a part of the panel for about a year. They also have sent me some small items as a thank you such as a reusable shopping bag.

If you want to make your preferences know to retailers and manufacturers, I invite you to join me on the National Consumer Panel! I'd also be glad to answer any questions you have about the panel or about joining.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I was not compensated in any way for writing this post. All opinions are my own.

Cheesy Penne with Broccoli

Serves: 4

12 oz. penne pasta
1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
1/4 c. grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 T. olive oil
Salt and pepper
3 T. butter
2 T. flour
1 1/4 c. 2% milk
1/4 t. Italian seasoning
3/4 c. Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 T. breadcrumbs

Cook penne pasta according to package directions. During last 5 minutes of cooking, add cut-up broccoli; drain. Toss the pasta and broccoli with Parmesan, garlic and oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour into greased 2-quart baking dish; sprinkle with Mozzarella. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour and stir until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium and slowly add milk. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Stir in Italian seasoning. Pour white sauce into baking dish to cover cheese and pasta. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. Bake 20-25 minute or until heated through.

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

Tips: This pasta/broccoli combo was a nice pairing for a casserole and of course cheese goes with these two items wonderfully. The original recipe called for several "fancy" items that are not found in my pantry so I adapted it. It also called for whole milk and heavy cream which would really pack on the fat & calories. If you keep either one of these regularly, feel free to substitute. I used the Kraft Romano cheese (the one that comes in the canister) so if you keep this or the Parmesan on hand either one can be used. Be sure to watch your baking time so the pasta around the edges doesn't get over-baked. I also shared this recipe at Balancing Beauty & Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday, Crazy Daisy's Tuesday Tastes & Breastfeeding Moms Unite's Vegetarian Foodie Friday.

Recipe adapted from Bake until Bubbly: The Ultimate Casserole Cookbook

Chicken Pizza Roll-Ups

Serves: 6

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (15 oz.) pizza sauce
2 c. bread crumbs
2 c. Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt & pepper

Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper and pound until ¼ - ½-inch thick. Mix pizza sauce with bread crumbs and spread over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese. Roll up each breast and secure with a wooden toothpick. Salt and pepper outside of chicken. Place in a greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

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

Tips: This chicken had a nice pizza flavor and it was nice to present chicken in a slightly different form. I always have trouble flattening chicken so just do the best you can. If you have a jar of spaghetti sauce (preferably non-chunky) that can easily be substituted for the can of pizza sauce. Garlic bread and a green salad go nicely with this meal.

Recipe from Cooking Secrets My Mother Never Taught Me