Thursday, June 30, 2011

Stars & Bars

*budweiser's limited-edition 4th of july can!

besides christmas {and my birthday that falls 2 days later}, the 4th of july is one of my favorite holidays!! i love the fact that america comes together to celebrate our motherland with eating, drinking & blowing off a barrage of sparks. it's also commemorates the annual hot dog "bar" at my parents house...and i'm not ashamed to load the chili on my dog...and possibly crack a limited-edition budweiser. happy birthday america, happy birthday!

but there's always one desert that really reminds me of the 4th...the classic flag sheet cake! i don't know that my mother ever even made this growing up but it was always served at whatever gathering we were schlepped to on the 4th. so in thinking about making something this year to take to a party, i thought this would be perfect! there are recipes that range from ina garten's, to simple ones like this kraft recipe pictured below. and in true {shugart & spice} fashion, simple is as simple does!


and in trying to locate a perfect "busy girl" recipe, i stumbled across this beauty below. i can't even begin to imagine how she constructed this cake but i know the founding fathers would've been proud!


*photo {& recipe if you are brave} courtesy of 17 & baking


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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Full Price Food...So Passé


there are some great deals this week at publix! some great "IDEAL MEAL DEALS" for the 4th, as well as some great deals that are worth buying to donate!

{publix}
*deals i love run 6/29-7/5

{1} Sabra Hummus, 4 pack 2 ounce cups or 10 ounce, on sale for $1.99
=$1.99 {great deal if you love this brand!}

{2} Quaker Chewy Bars, 8.4-8.7 ounce box, on sale 2/$2.99
-$1/2 coupon found here printable
*note-this is a target coupon; scroll to bottom of screen & click on "coupons". target is considered a competitor coupon & allowed at most public stores-check with yours!
=$1.99/2

{3} Kraft Dressing, 14 or 16 ounce, on sale 2/$3.19
-$1/2 coupon found here printable
*note-this is a target coupon; scroll to bottom of screen & click on "coupons". target is considered a competitor coupon & allowed at most public stores-check with yours!
=$2.19/2

{4} A.1. Steak Sauce, 10 ounce bottle, on sale for $1.95
-$1 off coupon found here printable
*note-this is a target coupon; scroll to bottom of screen & click on "coupons". target is considered a competitor coupon & allowed at most public stores-check with yours!
=$0.95

{5} Frenchs' Classic Yellow Mustard, 14 ounce bottle, on sale for $0.94
-$0.50 coupon found here printable
*most stores will double coupons $0.50 & under-check with your store
=FREE + $0.06

{6} Rotel Diced Tomatoes, 10 ounce, on sale for $0.69
=$0.69
*great for making cheese dip!

{7} Bertolli Pasta Sauce, 15 or 24 ounce, on sale for 2/$2.89
-$1/2 coupon found here printable
*note-this is a target coupon; scroll to bottom of screen & click on "coupons". target is considered a competitor coupon & allowed at most public stores-check with yours!
=$$1.89/2
IDEAL MEAL DEAL: No-Boil Noodle Lasagna

{8} Mueller's Pasta, 12-16 ounce, on sale for $0.68
-$0.55 coupon found here printable
=$0.13

{9} Romano's Macaroni Grill Complete Meals for 2, 24 ounce, on sale for $4.24
*frozen aisle
-$1.50 coupon found here printable
=$2.74

{10} Jimmy Dean Roll Pork Sausage, on sale for $3.50
-$0.55 coupon found here printable
=$2.95

{11} Johnsonville Italian Sausage, 19.6 ounce, on sale for $3.99
-$1 coupon found here printable
=$2.99

{12} Oscar Mayer Cracker Combo, 2.9 or 4.5 ounce on sale for $1
*also known as an "adult lunchable"!
=$1

{13} Pillsbury Rolls or Biscuits, 4-12 ounce, on sale for $1
=$1
IDEAL MEAL DEAL: Mini Chicken Pot Pies

{14} Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Snack Crackers, on sale for $1
=$1

{15} Garnier Fructis Hair Product, 3-13 ounce, on sale for $2.50
-$1 coupon found here printable
=$1.50

{16} Playtex Sport Tampons, on sale for $2.99
-$1 coupon found here printable
=$1.99

{17} Excedrin Pain Medicine, 20 or 24 count, on sale for $2.99
-$1 coupon found here printable
=$1.99

{18} Hormel Completes Kids, 7 ounce, on sale for $1.67
-$1 coupon found here printable
=$0.67

{19} Blue Diamond Almonds Resealable Zipper Bag, 16 ounce, on sale for $1.50
-$1 coupon found here printable
=$0.50

{20} Mezzetta Greek Peperoncini, 16 ounce, on sale for $1.50
=$1.50

{21} Bull's-Eye BBQ Sauce, 17.5-18 ounce, on sale for $1
*buy 2
-$1/2 coupon found here printable
*note-this is a target coupon; scroll to bottom of screen & click on "coupons". target is considered a competitor coupon & allowed at most public stores-check with yours!
=$1/2

{22} Viva Towels Big Roll, 1 count, on sale for $1.50
-$0.50 coupon found here printable
*most stores will double coupons $0.50 & under-check with your store
=$0.50
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Monday, June 27, 2011

Chicken Jalapeno-Basil Skewers


a friend of ours came to visit a few weekends ago & brought a bag full of jalapenos!

excited about fresh produce...yes.

scared what the heck to do with them...yes.

much like onions, celery & peppers, i LOVE their flavor but LOATHE the idea of crunching into the crispy fella. and after they sat in my "health hut"...the produce bowl in the corner of my kitchen...i finally figured out what to do with them! kabobs!

the flavors the jalapenos produce are a tad spicy but are taken over by a subtle sweetness. much like myself if i do say so. it's a great busy-girl dish b/c you can marinate all day & cook at night!!

*CAUTION-be stealth with your fingers after cutting...or they shall set fire to anything in their path.

{chicken jalapeno-basil skewers}

ingredients {in order of use}
*serves 2 {2 tenders per person per skewer}
  • 4 chicken tenders
  • salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup italian dressing
  • 2 skewers, {if wood, soak in water for an hour before use so they don't catch aflame!}
  • 4 jalapenos, seeded & de-ribbed {try 2 red, 2 green}
  • 5-10 basil leaves, torn in half

1. in a shallow dish or in a plastic baggie, salt & pepper tenders & let stand for 30 minutes. add italian dressing & marinate for 6-12 hours before you plan to grill.




2. slice chicken tenders into bite-size medallions. add chicken, jalapeno & basil & continue to place on skewer.

3. grill until chicken is cooked through & grill marks are present!

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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Penne "a-lot" Like Vodka + Shrimp

this recipe is a great example of what i love about cooking...the simplicity of the ingredients come together to create such an incredible flavor with half the calories of what would normally be penne a la vodka. now don't get me wrong...i love creamy sauces but i try to get that taste {& warm, tingle-y feeling} through low-fat milk & substituting less-fat cheeses.

this recipe also reminds me of my so-called "single-lady days" in nyc...i wasn't exactly single b/c i had a fiancé in DC but i was a single cooking lady; party of 1 please! pasta sautéed with farmers market veggies was my staple due to ease of cooking & ease on the wallet. so after making this last night, i settled on the couch with a big bowl, glass of wine & soaked up 2 episodes of the real housewives of nyc...just like my single-lady days!


{penne "a-lot" like vodka + shrimp}

ingredients {in order of use}
*serves 4
  • 12 ounces of penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, {divided-2 now, 2 later}
  • 2 tablespoons butter, {divided, 1 now, 1 later}
  • salt & pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 pound peeled, de-veined shrimp
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 {8 ounce} can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup milk {i use 3/4 2% milk & 1/4 half & half-a lot less fat the heavy cream or whole milk}
  • 3 tablespoons chopped basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1. bring a large pot of salted water to a boil & toss in pasta. while pasta is cooking, move to step 2.

2. in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil & 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. add in shrimp, salt, pepper & cook until pink. once cooked, set aside on a plate to cool.

*when pasta is cooked, drain & set aside.

3. using same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil & 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. add garlic & sauté 3 minutes, or until fragrant & translucent. add wine & stir for 3 minutes. add tomato sauce & whisk in completely. add in milk, continue stirring on medium-high heat for 8 minutes, or until it starts to thicken {note-it will still be fairly runny if you use low fat milk...but this is okay as it will thicken as it sits}.

4. while sauce is simmering, chop shrimp into bite-size pieces. toss into skillet & stir to coat. toss in basil & parsley & reduce to medium-low heat. add pasta, salt, pepper & stir until combined. let sit for a few minutes & sauce will start to thicken. serve in bowls with extra sauce & top with shredded parmesan!

it doesn't get much better then this...well, it does...but it's called vodka sauce & your hips will thank you later for not doing that to them!



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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Full Price Food...So Passé

here are the few deals i love this week at publix...remember...it's always great to think about donating goods that you can get on sale! i'm making a trip to the genesis shelter next week & can't wait to put up pics of what i'll be donating!

{publix}
*deals i love run 6/23-29

{1} kraft barbecue sauce, 16.25-18 ounces, on sale for $0.74
=$0.74
IDEAL MEAL: great grilled chicken marinade

{2} pompeian olive oil, 32 ounce, on sale for $5.64
-$1 off coupon found here printable
=$4.64
IDEAL MEAL: pesto cream pasta

{3} alexia frozen snacks, 7.7-8 ounce, on sale for $1.79
-$1 off coupon found here printable
=$0.79
IDEAL MEAL: great side with stop drop & roll chicken tenders

{4} aleve pain reliever, 80-100 count, on sale for $7.99
-$2 off coupon found here printable
=$5.99
*life-saver after a few transfusions!

{5} listerine total care, 1 liter, on sale for $4.99
-$1 off coupon found here printable
=$3.99

{6} kleenex cottonelle toilet paper, 6 roll, on sale for $3.99
-$0.50 coupon found here printable
*most stores will double coupons $0.50 & under, check with your store
=$2.99


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Pesto Cream Pasta


if there's one thing i love about summer it's fresh basil & tomatoes. like big 'old green basil leaves & blood-red, fat, juicy tomatoes. i could salt, pepper & top a tomato slice with basil & enjoy like pizza. oh & a nice, chilled glass of wine!

and if i only ate that i'd be on the fast track to looking like kate moss...and what fun would that be?!

but it's combining the two things i love with pasta that make for hearty, summer dinners. i made this for my friends tonight who just had a baby boy...and have since heard it was a hit. enjoy!

{pesto cream pasta}

ingredients {in order of use}
*serves 2-4

  • 3/4 cups fresh basil leaves {compacted-the more the merrier}
  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  • salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 12 ounces of rotini pasta
  • 1 tomato, diced

1. in a food processor {note-most blenders will not puree the nuts & basil} add basil, pine nuts, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, olive oil & blend, adding more olive oil if needed to puree completely. set aside.

2. bring a large pot of salted water to a boil & cook pasta.

3. while pasta is cooking, heat milk & butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. add pesto & whisk thoroughly.

4. add pasta to saucepan with creamy pesto sauce & stir completely. toss in diced tomatoes, stir & serve warm!
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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Savory Sauteed Mushrooms


happy first day of summer...although, with the weather nearing three digits for about three weeks i'm a bit confused with today being the official kick off?!

any who, i'm whipping up a true, summer side-dish to enjoy with my hubs. if i could decide on which outdoor furniture i want, we'd be dining al fresco but for now, we'll take the dining room table & an indoor spritzer! cheers!

{savory sauteed mushrooms}

ingredients, in order of use
*serves 2
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 cups whole, white mushrooms
  • salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh rosemary
  • 3 tablespoons dry, white wine

1. wipe your mushrooms with a damp cloth. slice into 1/4 inch slices & set aside.

2. in a medium skillet, add olive oil & bring to medium heat. toss in garlic & sauté for 3 minutes, but careful not to brown. toss in mushrooms, salt, pepper, rosemary & sauté for 5 minutes.

3. since i'm sipping on a crisp, pinot grigio, i'll spare a little for the 'shrooms! toss in white wine & sauté for another 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender but not soggy.

4. feel free to leave as is or toss with shredded parmesan! enjoy warm!
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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Full Price Food...So Passé

here you go folks...the deals i love this week & the deals that expire this week!

i am so excited to be cooking for 2 new families this week; i always make my DELISH irresistible italian meatballs - they are the perfect comfort food, can be froze if the fridge is stocked & always make for a cute gift bag. i toss in a tupperware filled with meatballs & sauce, an extra jar of gourmet sauce & a box of my favorite wheat pasta!

do you have a go-to recipe to take to friends? try one this week...make some for you, some for a friend & put a smile on someone elses face!

{publix}
*deals i love run 6/16-6/22

{1} wise potato chips, 9.75-10 ounce, on sale for 2 for $3.99
-$1/2 coupon found here printable
=2/$3

{2} zatarain's new orleans style entrees, 10-12 ounce, on sale for 2 for $2.99
-$1/2 coupon found here printable
=2/$2

{3} smart balance milk, 1/2 gallon, on sale for $2.50
-$0.75 coupon found here printable
=$1.75

{4} lean cuisine entrees, 7.5-12.5 ounce, on sale for $2
-$2.25/4 coupon found here printable
=4/$5.75 or $1.44/entree
*IDEAL MEAL: Recommend the Spring Rolls

{5} maxwell house ground coffee {decaf or columbian}, 10.5-11.5 ounce, on sale for $2.99
-$1 coupon found here printable
=$1.99

{6} cascade dishwasher, 75 ounce action packs, 16-20 count, on sale for $3.99


these yellow advantage {publix} deals END THURSDAY, 6/16, so shop now!
*yellow advantage coupon=insert on the turnstile when you walk into publix

{7} morton season all seasoned salt, 8 ounce, on sale $1.99
-$1 coupon found in the *yellow advantage flyer
=$0.99

{8} polly-o ricotta, 15 ounce, on sale $1.50
-$1 coupon found in the *yellow advantage flyer
=$1.50

{9} freschetta simply inspired, naturally rising or brick oven pizza, $5

-$1.50/2

found in the *yellow advantage flyer

=$8.50/2

{10} bailey's coffee creamer, 16 ounce, on sale $1.66

-$1 off coupons found here

=$0.66


{11} vosokos greek yogurt, 5.3 ounce, on sale $0.90

-$.75 coupon found here

=$0.15

these green advantage {publix} deals end thursday, 6/24
*green advantage coupon=insert on the turnstile when you walk into public

{12} bayer advanced extra strength, 20 count, on sale $2.99

-$1 off coupon found here

-$2 off coupon found in the
*green advantage flyer

=FREE

{13} tylenol precise cream, 2.5 ounce or heat patch, on sale $4.49

-$5 coupon found here

=FREE

{14} dove men+care body wash 13.5 ounce, or deodorant 2.7-3 ounce, on sale $3.49

-$1 off coupon found here

-$1 off coupon found in the *green advantage flyer

=$1.49


{15} garrity flashlight life lite, 1 count, on sale $1.59

-$1 off coupon found in the *green advantage flyer

=FREE

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