The Walmart Cook

This is only my 2^nd heart healthy recipe I have made, but I was surprised at how good it was!  I love to make quick breads and this will now be a new addition to my file.  I have had to purchase additional staples for my pantry to meet my new dietary needs, but I am not including those in my price here.  Whole wheat flour is the same price as regular flour and you can easily use regular butter instead of the Smart Balance Butter Blend I need to use.  The only thing I bought was an orange and some carrots!  Total price $1.52.

Carrot Spice Bread

1/2 cup sifted all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

1/3 cup trans fat free butter blend (Smart Balance)

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1/3 cup skim milk

2 tablespoons orange juice – $0.40

Egg substitute = to 1 egg or 2 egg whites, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon grated orange rind

1 ½ cups shredded carrots – $1.12

2 tablespoons golden raisins  (a few more won’t hurt!)

1 tablespoon finely chopped walnuts or almonds

Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl.  Set aside.  Using a mixer, cream butter in a medium sized mixing bowl.  Gradually add sugar, beating well.  Beat in milk, orange juice, egg, vanilla and orange rind.   Stir in carrots, raisins and nuts.  Add dry ingredients and mix well.  Spoon into a lightly greased 8×4x2 loaf pan.  Bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean.  Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove to wire rack and cool completely.

Each slice of bread is only 103 calories and 4 grams of fat.

I have been pretty sick but am feeling a little better now.  However, it will be a few days before I am back in the kitchen.  I’ll be adding some new healthier recipes as I try this new way 0f cooking.  Thanks for checking in – I WILL be posting again soon.

Stacy

Put together this simple side dish in no time!  These green beans have a simple, sweet flavor that would be great with pork or chicken.  I would even suggest substituting some Orange Marmalade if you had that on hand.  Total Cost $1.76.

Apricot Green Beans

2 packages Birds Eye Steam in Bag Green Beans – $1.76

2/3 cup apricot preserves or orange marmalade

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

Prepare green beans according to package directions.  Meanwhile, melt preserves, butter and salt in saucepan.  Add green beans and stir to heat through.

I decided to post my most requested family recipe today.  The picture does not do it justice though.  I found this recipe way back in 1984 in a cookbook that I bought on my honeymoon, and it is made on most birthday’s and special occasions in my house.  Total Cost $8.33.

Chicken Kiev

2/3 cup unsalted butter

½ cup bread crumbs (if you use seasoned crumbs, leave out the basil and oregano)

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon garlic salt

¼ teaspoon salt

1 pound boneless chicken breasts – $5.48

¼ cup dry white wine or apple juice (I always use apple juice) – $1.00

¼ cup chopped green onions – $1.18

¼ cup chopped parsley – $0.67

Melt butter in a shallow saucepan.  Combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, garlic salt and salt in a shallow dish or pie plate.  Dip chicken in melted butter, then coat in bread crumb mixture.  Place in an ungreased baking dish.  Bake at 375 for 50-60 minutes.

Meanwhile, add wine (or juice), parsley and green onion to the leftover melted butter.   When chicken is golden brown, pour butter sauce over chicken and return to oven for 3-5 minutes, until sauce is hot.  Serve with sauce spooned over chicken.

I usually serve this with mashed potatoes, vegetables and bread for dipping!

My mother made popovers when I was a kid and they continue to be a family favorite.  If you have never had a popover, you will love these crispy, light additions to a meal.  Total cost – $0.00!  You will have everything on hand, but plan ahead to allow chilling time.

Popovers

3 eggs

1 cup milk

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 cup All Purpose Flour

½ teaspoon salt

Beat eggs in bowl and beat with an electric mixer until frothy (about 1 minute).  Beat in milk and butter.  Slowly add flour and salt and mix.  Batter will be thin.  Chill batter for a few hours before using for best results.

Preheat oven to 400.  Generously grease muffin cups or custard cups.  Fill with batter to within ½” from the top.  Bake until dark brown – about 35-40 minutes.  When done, cut 2 small slits in the top of each popover.  Bake 5 minutes more.  Serve hot with butter and jelly.

Makes about 10 popovers.