The Cheap Gourmet

Announcing "Fruit and Veggie Day" ~ A Fun Way to Improve Your Health

I am excited to announce "Fruit and Veggie Day" ~ a fun way to improve your health. Fruit and Veggie Day is the brainchild of my friend and business associate, Viveca Stone-Berry. Viveca is the founder of FatigueBeGone.com and author of "Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart Guide"; a step-by-step guide for easy transition into a healthy, energetic lifestyle.

Fruit and Veggie Day isn't some far-fetched diet plan where you are forced to eat nothing but kiwi or strawberries for a week. In fact, it isn't a diet at all. It is simply making a conscious decision to eat nothing but fruits and vegetables for an entire day once a week. Give it a try. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes!

Download Fruit and Veggie Monday Recipes Vol 1, Issue 1 PDF

About Fruit and Veggie Day

An entire series of events surrounds Fruit and Veggie Day, which you can read about further down in this post if you would like. It's really a great story, but not everyone cares to hear the details. For those of you who like to cut to the chase, this section is for you.

Each Friday, The Cheap Gourmet and Fatigue Be Gone will publish a new Fruit and Veggie Menu Planner. This gives you time to shop over the weekend. On Monday, we commit to eating only fruit and vegetable dishes throughout the day.

We invite you to participate in this energizing nutritional experiment and interact with us. Share your fruit and veggie recipes. Ask questions. Offer feedback and suggestions. Share your results.

In reality, you can't get much cheaper than eating fruits and vegetables and they are far better for your body than fast food or processed garbage. Research shows eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber offers a host of health benefits.

This experiment is presented compliments of The Cheap Gourmet and Fatigue Be Gone. There is no fee. We aren't charging for the menu plans. You don't have to interact if you don't want to, but we'd love it if you did.

All you have to do is:

1. Stop by the The Cheap Gourmet blog each Friday to download your menu plan.
2. Stop by Fatigue Be Gone Blog each Friday to download your menu plan. 
3. Or, subscribe to The Cheap Gourmet RSS feed (upper right corner) or Viveca's newsletter. It's that simple.

Every week through the end of August we will publish menu plans consisting of two Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner recipes, plus six healthy snacks. Choose one recipe from each category and follow the plan outlined in the guide.

We hope you enjoy the recipes and reap an enormous boost in energy. Feel free to share the Fruit and Veggie menu planners with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for joining us in our journey toward vibrant health!

Download Fruit and Veggie Monday Recipes Vol 1, Issue 1 PDF

How Fruit and Veggie Day Began

Viveca and I met in a health and wellness forum. We both suffered from similar ailments and were sick and tired of being sick and tired. In our quest to feel better we tried a myriad of products, remedies, alternative therapies and nutritional programs. 

Viveca has recovered from adrenal fatigue; a little-known disorder that affects nearly 80-percent of Americans. Throughout her quest to regain her energy, Viveca went to various doctors and specialists and tried numerous prescription medications, nutritional products, alternative therapies and altering her diet. She shares her experiences, along with what worked and what didn't in "Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart Guide" ebook.

A few weeks ago, Viveca and I were conversing by phone and she told me that she and a friend visit local food markets each weekend to purchase their fruit and veggie day menu items. There's nothing better than spending a few hours with a good friend and discovering a plethora of fresh (and oftentimes organic) fruits and veggies. If you would like to locate local Farmers Markets visit LocalHarvest.org. 

Each Monday Viveca, her husband, Michael, and her friend eat nothing but fresh fruits and vegetables. They juice, create smoothies, make fruit salads, vegetable salads and even desserts! When she told me this story, I wanted to join in the fun.

Although we live in different states and can't shop together, we can offer support, share recipes and feel great together. As we discussed inviting our friends and family to join us, we were struck with the idea to share our concept with readers of our blogs. After all, the more the merrier (and energetic!).

We decided to offer complimentary Fruit and Veggie Day menu planners each week for the rest of the summer. Many of the recipes are extracted from "The Diva Diet"; a cookbook I wrote for people suffering from autoimmune disease.

If you're tired of feeling tired all the time, I HIGHLY recommend Viveca's guide. For less than $10 you can discover simple techniques to help determine if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue. Printable questionnaires can be filled out and provided to your doctor. She even reveals one simple home test that only requires a small glass of water and your spit. It's amazing what your spit can reveal about your health.

BUY "Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart Guide ebook" for $9.99 

Receive over $300 in energy boosting bonus gifts!

*This ebook is sold through Clickbank; the most trusted provider of information products. It's backed by a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee. You have nothing to lose, and a whole lot of energy to gain. I don't mean to come across sounding like a sales pitch. It's just that Viveca's book changed my life and helped me regain my energy. I'm excited to share it with others because it feels great to feel great!

In closing, we are excited to have you join us in Fruit and Veggie Day. If the mood strikes you, please Tweet us, or post a link to Facebook or Myspace, or Stumble us. Our goal is to help people feel better and have plenty of energy to enjoy life!

Download Fruit and Veggie Monday Recipes Vol 1, Issue 1 PDF

Gourmet Spicy Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos Recipe

The first time someone mentioned mahi mahi fish tacos to me, I turned up my nose and thought they had lost their mind. Seriously, fish tacos? Yuck! But, was I ever wrong and I'm certainly glad I was "brave" enough to give them a try.

My first experience with Spicy Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos was at the Ale House over in Daytona Beach, Florida. I was about 3 weeks into recovery from having extensive dental work done and my diet was still limited to soft foods. The only thing that concerned me about the dish was it was served with a red cabbage slaw, but I figured I could scrape if off if my healing gums weren't ready for that much chomping.

It was in love at first bite. I vividly remember the experience because I consumed the entire meal. It was the first "real" food I had eaten in 21 days. I savored every bite and attempted to figure out what spices the Ale House used to create this masterpiece of a taco.

Although the following recipe isn't exactly the same, it has a fabulous kick from marinade which is offset by the mildness of the Iceberg lettuce. My husband doesn't like red cabbage, so we opted for green lettuce instead. Feel free to use either because they both taste great!

GOURMET SPICY MAHI MAHI FISH TACOS
Makes: 8 tacos
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup fresh Cilantro, chopped
3 Tablespoons Frank's Red Hot Sauce or Tabasco Sauce
1 teaspoon Kosher salt (or 1-2 teaspoons table salt)
1 Lime, juice only
1/4 wedge Iceberg Lettuce or Red Cabbage, shredded
1 medium Tomato, diced
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded (optional)
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 pound skinless Mahi Mahi fillet, cut into two 8-ounce fillets
8 small Flour Tortillas (or 4 large if you prefer to make these into burritos)

DIRECTIONS:

1. For marinade, combine cilantro, hot sauce, salt and lime juice in a medium bowl.
2. Add mahi mahi fillets to marinade and gently toss to cover.
3. Cover bowl  with lid or plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for one hour.
4. After fish has marinated, preheat oven to 300-degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Wrap tortillas in foil and place in oven.
6. Add oil to 12-inch skillet and heat on medium setting until oil begins to slightly ripple.
7. Carefully add mahi mahi fillets and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side. 
8. Transfer mahi mahi to a plate and separate fillets into bite-size pieces using a fork.

9. Remove tortilla shells from oven and unwrap.

10. Fill center of tortilla with mahi and top with lettuce, tomato and cheese.

 

11. Fold into a taco or wrap into a burrito and serve immediately.

You might also like The Cheap Gourmet's Baked Mahi Mahi Fish Recipe.

Easy Bakeware: Order Your Free Bakeware Today!

Easy Bakeware is an online kitchen retailer with corporate headquarters located in West Hartford, CT. Easy Bakeware offers a full line of bakeware, cookware, entertaining necessities such as trays, platters and barware, coffeemakers and grinders, wine racks, kitchen carts and a wide range of tools including mixing bowls, strainers, colanders, cutting boards, cookbooks and BBQ tools.

Easy Bakeware is currently offering customers the opportunity to obtain any bakeware pan for free. You can try any of their silicon baking pans or burnless bakeware for the cost of shipping. Yesterday, I ordered the silicon mini muffin pan and the cost of shipping was $7.95. I don't know if you've ever priced silicon bakeware, but it is usually pretty expensive. The retail cost of the mini muffin pan is $19.95, so in actuality I received a 40-percent discount.

During the EasyBakeware campaign, you can order as many items as you like. Upon checkout, the MOST EXPENSIVE item you purchase will be deducted and you receive it for free! However, there is no obligation to purchase additional items. Simply click on the banner, choose your free gift and pay for shipping.

If you aren't familiar with silicon bakeware, all I can say is it is a must-have item. There is no need to grease the pan or use muffin tins. Simply pour the batter into the mold, bake, let cool, flip the pan over and poof - everything just slides right out!

This is an exceptional offer and one I hope you will take advantage of. Personally, I couldn't live without my silicon bakeware. It has saved me hours of frustration and scrubbing those little muffin tin holes. Don't you just hate that? There's nothing worse than having to scrape little pieces of burnt on muffins out of tiny little holes!

I don't know how long EasyBakeware will be extending this offer. If you want to try silicon or burnless bakeware, click on one of the banners and place your order. EasyBakeware is deemed an Equifax SecureSite, so you can submit your order worry-free!

When you receive your bakeware, please stop back by and let me know what you purchased and how you like it. I'd bet money that you will wonder how on earth you ever lived without this amazing product!

Don't delay! Go grab your free EasyBakeware pan and start baking!

Rock Shrimp Stuffed with Asiago Cheese and Jalapenos

Rock shrimp stuffed with asiago cheese and jalapenos is the perfect summertime food. This delightful seafood dish can be cooked on the grill, under the broiler, on a flat top griddle or in a skillet. Talk about versatile!

Rock shrimp stuffed with asiago cheese and jalapenos makes a great appetizer and is perfect for entertaining. It also makes a great entree and can be paired with red potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, green beans, seasoned rice or anything else you enjoy combining with shrimp.

Rock shrimp are deep water crustaceans, harvested in 120 to 240 feet of water. They have a hard exoskelton and taste similar to lobster. When preparing this recipe, you will need to remove the shell by using a pair of sharp kitchen scissors to snip the back of the shell away from the body and tail. Rock shrimp have a sand vein which can be removed by rinsing under cold running water.

NOTE: Prior to preparing the rock shrimp recipe, place 12 toothpicks in a small container filled with water. Soaking the toothpicks prevents them from burning and makes them easier to remove when the shrimp is cooked.You can also use wooden or metal skewers if desired. Place 3 to 4 shrimp per skewer and cook as directed below.

ROCK SHRIMP STUFFED WITH ASIAGO CHEESE AND JALAPENOS
Serves: 4 to 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
24 Rock Shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces Asiago Cheese, shredded
1 medium Jalapeno Pepper, seeds removed and minced
12 slices Bacon

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place 12 toothpicks or wooden skewers in a container filled halfway with water.
2. Wash shrimp in cold running water. Remove shell and butterfly shrimp by cutting lengthwise along the back, leaving tail section intact. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Pat dry with paper towel.
3. Finely grate asiago cheese.
4. Mince jalapeno pepper and mix with cheese.

5. Cut bacon slices in half.
6. Stuff each shrimp with 1 teaspoon of cheese mixture.

7. Wrap each shrimp with 1/2 slice of bacon and secure with toothpick or place on skewer.

8. Place shrimp on a broiler pan or grill and cook until bacon begins to crisp; about 4 minutes.
9. Turn shrimp and cook until bacon is done; about 4 minutes.
10. Transfer to plate and serve immediately.

Join the Betty Crocker Community for New and Delicious Summer Recipes

DUE TO OVERWHELMING RESPONSE, BETTY CROCKER HAS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED THIS PROGRAM. PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER TO SEE IF THE PROGRAM IS REINSTATED.

When you join the Betty Crocker Community you will receive new and delicious summer recipes, along with the Betty Crocker newsletter, money-saving coupons for Betty Crocker products, and access to the recipe collection box where you can easily store and access your favorite recipes. Talk about making life easier!

It takes less than 2 minutes to join the Betty Crocker Community. Simply fill out the information form and you will have immediate access to exclusive member benefits. Each month, members obtain printable coupons which can amount to over $100 in savings per year.

During the month of June, members of the Betty Crocker Community can save up to $9.05 with coupons. Selections include Betty Crocker Warm Delights, Supreme Brownie Mixes, Reese's Puffs Cereal, Lucky Charms, Cheerios, Fiber One Chewy Bars, Yoplait Yogurt, and Romano's Macaroni Grill Dinner Kits.

Members can order from the Betty Crocker store which includes bakeware, cookware, small appliances, gadgets and tools, cookbooks, home care items including trash cans, vacuum cleaners, laundry care, kitchen textiles and cleaning tools. If you subscribe today, you will receive free shipping on store orders of $50 or more.

The Betty Crocker Community allows members to interact with other passionate foodies to share recipes, tips, tricks and obtain or offer advice. Members can upload photos, submit recipes, obtain "how-to" advice and enter recipe contests.

I must admit... the Better Crocker Community is somewhat addicting. My brain is in overload thinking about all the delightful summer recipes I can make. Considering I live in Florida, it's practically summer year-round, so we really enjoy eating light on a regular basis.

This is an excellent opportunity to save time and money in the kitchen as well as meet new friends and share ideas. Best of all, it doesn't cost one single penny to join. Take advantage of this offer by clicking on the banner below. I look forward to seeing you in the forums!

Balsamic Glazed Chicken over a Bed of Long Grain and Wild Rice

The following Balsamic Glazed Chicken over a Bed of Long Grain and Wild Rice is a quick and easy recipe that bursts with flavor and leaves you feeling full and satisfied. It is light enough for a summer dinner, yet hardy enough for a cold winter night.

The balsamic glazed chicken over a bed of long grain and wild rice recipe was developed during our "clean out the pantry" week. I really enjoy engaging in clean out the pantry week because it forces me to be creative and helps reduce our food inventory.

I'm dangerous when it comes to grocery shopping. I'm worse than a shopaholic at the mall. I take advantage of buy one get one free specials and proudly present my fistful of coupons. But, I have a tendency to go overboard in my attempt to save a buck. My spending sprees eventually end up in excessive inventory that gets shoved to the back of the pantry.

Chicken is perhaps one of the easiest meats to cook with because it is so versatile. Did you ever watch, Forrest Gump? If so, you will remember the long list of shrimp ideas that Bubba rattled off. I'm the Bubba of chicken. I can come up with a thousand ways to prepare it.

I hope you enjoy the following recipe and encourage you to take part in your own clean out the pantry week. You might be surprised by the wonderful concoctions you can come up with! If nothing else, you can save yourself some big bucks by not grocery shopping for a week. And, if your meal sucks, you can afford to go out to dinner ;-)

BALSAMIC GLAZED CHICKEN OVER A BED OF LONG GRAIN AND WILD RICE
Serves 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 box Uncle Ben's Long Grain and Wild Rice
2 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 Vidalia Onion, chopped
1/2 Green Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning Blend
1/2 teaspoon Goya Adobo seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare Uncle Ben's rice as per package directions.
2. Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towel. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
3. Rinse and dry vegetables. Using a clean cutting board and knife, chop vegetables into bite-size pieces.
4. Mix Mrs. Dash, Adobo, and black pepper and sprinkle over chicken.
5. Add olive oil to a 12-inch skillet. Heat oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
6. Carefully add chicken to skillet; making sure pieces do not overlap. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes and turn.
7. Add chopped vegetables to chicken.
8. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until chicken is done and vegetables are crisp-tender.
9. Reduce heat to low. Pour in balsamic vinegar and gently mix until chicken and veggies are coated.
10. Simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes.
11. Place rice on plates and top with chicken and vegetable mixture. Serve immediately.

I encourage you to click on the hyperlinks in the ingredients list. Each website offers a wealth of cooking tips and yummy recipes. Vidalia Onion is currently hosting "Sweet Times" cooking contest. Grand prize is $1,000 cash!

If you like receiving free stuff, click on the Freefly's banner below. I subscribed less than two weeks ago and have already received a 20-pack of Nicorette gum, a Greenies chew bone for my dog, samples of Bragg's live food products, and samples of Bodycology products through Walmart. I actually enjoy going to the mailbox now :-) Check 'em out. You'll love it!

Boca Java Coffee - Exceptional Deal on Extraordinary Coffee

Today is the one week anniversary of me falling down the stairs and breaking my right foot. At first, I thought it was a nasty sprain, but as the day wore on and my foot began to swell up to the size of Texas, my husband insisted I needed medical attention. Six hours after the incident, I was sitting in the ER feeling like an idiot.

Due to my injury, I haven't done much cooking this week so I don't have any new concoctions to share with you. However, I have had plenty of time to sit in my favorite recliner and surf the Web for cheap gourmet deals. I am happy to report I found quite a few that I will be posting throughout the upcoming week.

The first deal of the week is an unbeatable offer from Boca Java Coffee. Boca Java is by far one of my favorite brews. Their corporate headquarters are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Since I am a Floridian, I like to support local businesses. But, I'd buy Boca Java even if they weren't located in my home state because their coffee is so darn tasty.

What I love about Boca Java is the fact they roast your coffee to order and ship it the next day. You can rest assured knowing your beans are fresh and haven't been sitting on the grocery shelf for God only knows how long. There's nothing worse than stale coffee. Yuck!

Boca Java is currently running a smokin' deal that is hard to resist. For a limited time, you can receive four (4) half-pound bags of coffee for only $9.95 and that includes shipping! That equates to a mere $4.97 per pound of premium, fresh roasted coffee delivered to your doorstep. Considering I can't drive since I broke my right foot, home delivery is the perfect solution for me :-)

Boca Java offers an extensive range of coffee choices. You can choose from light, medium or dark roasts; flavored coffees; and whole beans or ground. A few of my favorites include: Brew of Bravery, Coastal Costa Rica, Cool Breeze Colombian, Guatemalan Adventure, Palm Beach Passion and Sumatran Sunset.

If coffee isn't your thing, Boca Java offers a wonderful selection of teas, chai and cocoa. Teas are available as loose leaf or tea bags. Chai and cocoa are powdered mixes and include Wild Raspberry Chai, Spiced Chai Latte, Tahitian Vanilla Chai,  Double Dark Chocolate Cocoa, Caramel Praline Cocoa and my personal favorite, Chocolate Hazelnut Mocha - Yum!

Last, but not least, Boca Java offers a fabulous line of food products including mixes and sauces, snacks, baked goods and candy. You MUST try their Bali's Best Iced Tea Candy. Infused with real tea extract, this delectable treat is 100% natural and contains zero trans fat. Best of all, it costs less than a dime per piece. Now that's a bargain!

Take advantage of this exceptional offer on extraordinary coffee today by clicking on the banner below. You will be taken directly to Boca Java Coffee website where you can chose your selections. Let me know when your order arrives so we can enjoy a "virtual cup of Joe" together!

Gourmet Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Tired of the same old red beans and rice recipe? Looking for a way to spice up this protein-packed, high carbohydrate meal? If so, you're going to love today's gourmet red beans and rice recipe. Best, of all, it's easy to prepare and is super affordable.

My husband was raised on red beans and rice. When I suggest making it for dinner, he gives me that "I'll eat it if I have to, but I'd rather not" look. Personally, I could eat red beans and rice at least three times a week. I love it! Did you know that eating a high carbohydrate meal before bedtime can help you sleep better?

I'm an insomniac. Or, maybe I'm a night owl. I've always been one who prefers to stay up 'till the wee hours of the morning and sleep in. That's why I love being self-employed as a writer. I can make my own hours and don't have to crawl out of bed at the crack of dawn. But, I digress...

I haven't been sleeping well lately and really needed a good night of rest. I knew red beans and rice would do the trick, but also knew my husband would prefer something else. So, I decided to get a little creative and see how I could jazz the recipe up to suit both of our tastes.

We were blown away by the results and think you will be too! I used Zatarain's Red Beans and Rice New Orleans Style box mix. Personally, I think their brand is the best. It doesn't leave an aftertaste in your mouth like some of the other packaged red beans and rice mixes. For those reducing their salt intake, Zatarain's has three new reduced sodium products, one of which is red beans and rice.

By the way, Zatarain's is currently hosting a $2500 Jambalaya Throwdown contest. Original recipes must be submitted no later than July 31st, 2009. Click here to read the complete rules.

In case your wondering, I had a wonderful night of sleep after consuming this meal. If you have trouble sleeping, I hope this recipe can help you get your zzzzz's.

GOURMET RED BEANS AND RICE RECIPE

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 box Zatarain's Red Beans and Rice New Orleans Style
1/2 package Johnsonville New Orleans Brand Smoked Sausage (3 sausages, sliced 1-inch thick, then quartered)
2 Toufayan Bakeries Whole Wheat Flatbreads
1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS:

1. Slice Johnsonville New Orleans Smoke Sausage into 1-inch thick rounds, then slice rounds into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
2. In a 2-quart pot, add sausage and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until edges start to brown. Place a paper towel on a small plate and place sausage on top to drain.
3. Add sausage to Zatarain's Red Beans as Rice and cook per package instructions.
4. Place one Toufayan Whole Wheat Flatbread on a plate.
5. Top with red beans and rice and spread mixture to the edges.
6. Top with 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese and serve immediately.

Ready to save big bucks at the grocery store?
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MySavings is one of the largest online communities for free brand name samples, coupons and free stuff. After spending about an hour at MySavings, I entered dozens of sweepstakes, downloaded rebates and coupons for coffee, cheese, yogurt, Betty Crocker Brownie Mixes and Frosting, General Foods International Coffee (love that stuff!), Science Diet dog food and many more. After totaling up my coupons, I can save over $70. That's a lot of moohlah for an hour of my time!

I ordered a boatload of free samples. I'm probably going to need to bake some brownies for my postal carrier because she is going to be in overload once my samples start rolling in :-)

I ordered free makeup from L'Oreal, tea from Mighty Leaf, Hellman's Light Mayonnaise, Dunkin' Donuts coffee, Wholesome Sweetener's Organic and Raw Honey, Tide Total Care laundry detergent, and Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

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Super Simple Summer Salad with Grilled Chicken and Bread with Melted Brie Cheese

Today, I'd like to share a super simple summer salad with grilled chicken and a side of bread with melted brie cheese. This recipe takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and is packed with protein, calcium, fiber and flavor!

You can make this super simple summer salad using a prepackaged salad mix. However, I prefer to use fresh ingredients. It is actually cheaper to buy the vegetables and chop them your self. The salad will be much fresher and crisp and tends to last longer than the bagged salad mixes.

Perdue Chicken offers prepackaged chicken breasts, which are perfect for adding to salads. They are the perfect portion size and come in a variety of flavors. The Italian marinated chicken works great with this particular recipe. You can also use packaged chicken strips or plain chicken breasts. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Super Simple Summer Salad with Grilled Chicken and Bread with Melted Brie Cheese
Serves: Two
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes

Salad Ingredients:

2 6-ounce skinless, boneless Chicken Breasts
1/2 bunch Romaine lettuce, stems removed and chopped
1/4 head Iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 Carrot, diced
1 stalk Celery, diced
2 Green Onions, chopped
1 medium Tomato, chopped
Salad Dressing
Salt and Pepper, if desired

Bread Ingredients:
1/4 loaf Artisan Bread (found in the bakery of most supermarkets)
1/4 round Alouette Baby Brie, thinly sliced

Directions:

1. If using regular chicken breasts, add salt and pepper or other seasonings of choice. I like Mrs. Dash because it adds a nice flavor. You could also use McCormick's Roasted Garlic seasoning or marinate the chicken in 1/4 cup of Dale's Seasoning for 10 minutes.
2. Cook chicken in the broiler or on a gas or charcoal grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until center is no longer pink.
3. While chicken is cooking, prepare salad mix.
4. Wash and dry vegetables. If using packaged salad mix, empty bag into colander and rinse with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
5. Loosely chop romaine and head lettuce. Cut spine out of romaine leaves.
6. Dice celery and carrots.
7. Remove the root from green onions and slice thin rounds.
8. Quarter tomato, remove seeds (if desired) and cut into chunks.
9. Toss ingredients together and place in refrigerator until ready to serve.
10. Slice four 1/2-inch thick bread slices from Artisan Bread.
11. Cut four 1/4-inch slices of Baby Brie and place on top of bread.
12. Remove chicken from broiler or grill and place on plate. Allow to set for 5 minutes.
13. Place bread on baking sheet and place in 350-degree oven. Heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese melts. Remove from oven.
14. Slice chicken into strips or cut into 1/2-inch chunks.
15. Transfer salad to serving plates.
16. Top with grilled chicken and add salad dressing, if desired.
17. Serve with two slices of baked bread with melted brie cheese.

Danny Veltri of Flip Flops Grill and Chill in New Smyrna Beach, Florida Wins Hell's Kitchen Competition!

We are so happy that Danny Veltri of Flip Flops Grill and Chill in New Smyrna Beach, Florida won the Hell's Kitchen competition. As Danny says, he is a culinary prodigy. The food at Flip Flops is amazing and we love his Mahi Gone Bananas recipe; regardless of what Chef Gordan Ramsay has to say!

Danny Veltri is a sweetheart and our community is celebrating his success. Currently, it is somewhat challenging to get a table at Flip Flops Grill and Chill. Two weeks ago, my husband and I attempted to attend the Grand Opening of Flip Flops. Unfortunately, there was a three-hour wait. Some of our friends joined us and they had children with them, so we opted to eat at another location. Sorry, Danny, but the kids had to get up early for school the next day.

We think Danny Veltri's accomplishments are astounding. This 23-year old man knows his destiny and is taking action to reach his goals. His enthusiasm for culinary arts is contagious and we wish him the best when he takes over the helm at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, NJ.

Fox Broadcasting and Hell's Kitchen are currently offering a contest. The Grand Prize includes:

• Round-trip airfare for two to Atlantic City, NJ
• Two nights accommodations at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
• Ground transportation between airport & the Borgata Hotel
• Dinner at one of the Borgata's fine dining restaurants
• Select spa treatments
• Admission to the Borgata's exclusive mur mur nightclub
• $500 American Express Gift Card

This contest ends May 18th, so go to www.BBCAmerica.com and submit your entry today. Contest rules state only one online entry per person. More than one entry disqualifies entrants.

In closing, we offer our CONGRATULATIONS to our hometown chef.

Philly Cheese Steak Quesadilla Recipe - The Cheap Gourmet Original

I am excited to share this Philly Cheese Steak Quesadilla recipe with you. A few weeks ago I saw a commercial for a local restaurant offering two new cheese steak sandwiches; one of which was a quesadilla. What was ironic about it was my husband and I had been discussing the concept a few nights before.

To us, a philly cheese steak quesadilla seemed like a perfect fit. It also seemed less messy. I LOVE philly cheese steaks, but always end up wearing half of it. Do you have that problem too?

A few nights ago, my husband was attending an event and I had to fend for myself come dinner time. We had all the makings for cheese steaks sandwiches except for bread.

The light bulb went on and I decided to give the quesadilla concept a try. I am happy to report it was an incredible success. Even better, this recipe is super simple to make. The icing on top is you can make personal quesadillas to accomodate everyone's taste buds.

I love mushrooms on my philly cheesesteaks. My husband isn't too fond of those. I added fresh diced tomoatoes in the quesadilla and it added a nice flavor contrast. We've had cheese steak quesadillas three times in four days -- that's how addicting these things are!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

Philly Cheese Steak Quesadilla Recipe
Serves 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

2 medium flour Tortilla wraps
4 slices frozen Philly Cheese Steaks
1/2 green Bell Pepper, diced
1/3 cup Red Onion, diced
1/3 cup fresh Tomatoes, diced (optional)
4 Tablespoons Ragu Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Chop bell pepper, onions and tomatoes.
3. Preheat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Remove frozen Philly Cheesesteak meat from package. Break into bite-size pieces and add to skillet.
5. Add pepper and onion, stirring frequently.
6. Cook 5 to 6 minutes or until beef is thoroughly cooked.
7. Cover each quesadilla with 2 Tablespoons Ragu Cheddar Cheese Sauce. Spread cheese evenly and all the way to the edges.
8. Place half the meat mixture on one half of each quesadilla.
9. Top with fresh tomatoes, if desired.
10. Fold the other half over meat mixture and seal edges using the cheese sauce.
11. Place on baking stone or baking sheet.
12. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until tortillas begins to turn light brown.
13. Remove from oven, transfer to plates and serve immediately.

What's Better than Cheap Gourmet Food? Free Gourmet Food!

"What's better than cheap gourmet food? Free gourmet food!" That's the subject line of an email I received earlier this week. I receive numerous email requests from companies wanting me to promote their product or service on The Cheap Gourmet blog. I'm very particular about who I allow in because I genuinely care about my readers and don't want to lead them into some scam. So, I conducted a bit of research.

I'm happy to report that the free gourmet food headline is legit. North American Import and Export is giving away one $200 gift certificate to the restaurant of your choice. All that is required for a chance to win is to publish a post on their website telling which restaurant you would choose and why.

The Cheap Gourmet is post #81. My vote went to Flip Flops Chill and Grill in New Smyrna Beach, FL. I love that restaurant! Not to mention it is co-owned by Danny Veltri, the "redneck chef" who made it to the finale on Hell's Kitchen.

If you want a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to your favorite restaurant, go check out the contest at North American Import and Export. Entries must be completed by midnight May 3rd. Only one entry per person! Winner will be announced May 4th.

Free gourmet food contest rules can be found at http://www.nafood.com/pdf/contest-rules.pdf. Note, this is a PDF file which requires Adobe Reader to view.

Don't delay. Go post your entry at North American Import and Export and if you win, please let me know. Good luck!

Gourmet Bacon Lettuce Tomato Sandwich Recipe: BLT Never Tasted So Good!

I am a huge fan of Bacon Lettuce Tomato Sandwiches. As a child, my mom served BLT sandwiches at least once a week. She grew the lettuce and tomato in her garden and mom's BLTs were always bursting with flavor. After moving away from home it was hard to create a sandwich that tasted as good as mom's.

Yesterday, I had a craving for bacon lettuce tomato sandwiches. It's been at least a year since I last ate one and I wanted something spectacular. I'm probably one of the most frugal people you will ever meet and I can't stand waste; especially when it comes to food.

We had a few slices of leftover lunch meat and a tiny portion of Brie cheese. My mind went into overdrive as I concocted the following recipe on-the-fly. Personally, I think it's one of the best BLTs I've ever consumed. I hope you enjoy it too!

I cooked everything using a flat electric griddle. The same results can be obtained by using a skillet and toasting the bread, or by baking the bacon. If you have never baked bacon, it's super easy to do. Simply line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, place the bacon on the sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18 minutes; flipping slices halfway through.

Gourmet Bacon Lettuce Tomato Sandwich Recipe
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes

Ingredients:

4 slices Italian bread
8 slices Bacon
2 slices Deli Ham
2 slices Deli Pastrami
2 slices Deli Salami
1 small Tomato, sliced thin
3 Romaine lettuce leaves, chopped
3 Tablespoons Butter (or margarine)
4 slices Brie cheese, cut about 1/4-inch thick

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat electric griddle to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place bacon slices on griddle and cook for 4 minutes; flip bacon and cook 4 more minutes or until desired crispness.
3. While bacon is cooking, prepare Romaine lettuce and tomatoes.
4. Place butter in microwave-safe dish. Heat in microwave for about 30 seconds or until butter melts.
5. Using a pastry brush, coat one side of each slice of bread with butter.
6. Place 2 paper towels on a plate and transfer bacon from griddle to allow grease to drain.
7. Using a spatula, push bacon grease into the griddle's grease container.
8. Reduce griddle heat to 350 degrees. 
9. Place deli meat slices on one side of griddle. Cook for 1-1/2 minutes per side.
10. Place bread, buttered side down on other side of griddle.
11. Place 2 slices of Brie cheese on bread and allow to melt.
12. Add 4 strips bacon to each remaining bread slice.
13. Top with deli meats.
14. Using a butter knife, spread Brie cheese from edge to edge of the bread.
15. Add lettuce and tomato on top of deli meats.
16. Place brie cheese side of bread on top of the BLT sandwich.
17. Transfer to serving plate. Cut in half and serve immediately.

Serve with seasoned fries, potato chips, potato salad, cole slaw or fruit cup.

Gourmet Sweet and Tart BBQ Country-style Spare Ribs Recipe

I'm excited to share this gourmet BBQ Country Spare Ribs recipe with you. What began as an experiment turned out to be the best barbeque sauce I've ever tasted. The leftovers yield tastebud-exploding pulled pork BBQ that will leave you begging for more!

Country-style ribs aren't actually ribs. They are pork chops cut from the front of the loin near the shoulder. The attached bone is usually the shoulder blade. Country style ribs are meatier, yet less fatty than other rib cuts.

Packaged country-style ribs typically contain various sizes and thicknesses, making it difficult to cook to an even level of doneness. For this reason it is best to cook spare ribs in the slow cooker. Doing so will yield fall-off-the-bone meat infused with flavor.

The Sweet and Tart BBQ County Spare Ribs were served with homemade garlic, green onion, parmesan mashed potatoes; green beans with Canadian bacon; and Jalapeno corn muffins.

Keep an eye out at the grocery store and stock up on country-style spare ribs. These ribs generally sell for $3 to $4 per pound. Our grocer recently had them on sale for $1.99 pound. We purchased a 5-pound package and divided it in half. The entire meal cost less than $10 for two.

Gourmet Sweet and Tart BBQ Country-style Spare Ribs Recipe:
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours

Ingredients:

2-1/2 to 3 pounds Country-style Spare Ribs
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 onion, quartered and sliced into 1/4-inch strips

Sauce:

1/3 cup Tamari Sauce (can substitute with Soy Sauce)
1/2 cup bottled Ketchup
1 Tablespoon prepared Mustard
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Celery Seed
Dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. Trim excess fat from ribs.
2. In a 12-inch round skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it begins to evaporate from the pan.
3. Carefully add ribs and sear for 3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer to slow cooker Crockpot.
5. Place onion slices on top of ribs.
6. Mix sauce ingredient together and pour over onions and ribs.
7. Cover and cook over high heat for one hour.
8. Reduce heat to medium and cook for one hour.
9. Reduce heat to low and cook for four hours.
10. Transfer to serving dish or individual plates and serve immediately.

Gourmet "Souped-Up" Rice-a-Roni

I've been a fan of Rice-a-Roni since I was a kid. It was a staple in our household because it was a cheap food nearly everyone liked. With a husband and four kids to feed, my mom was not only the Cooking Queen, she was also the Queen of Frugality. Who knew her frugality would lead me to my destiny of becoming The Cheap Gourmet ;-).

Last week, our grocer was selling Rice-a-Roni as buy one, get one free. I love BOGO sales, don't you? Considering Rice-a-Roni is still one of my favorite "San Francisco treats", I stocked up. After all, this is probably one of the most versatile and easy-to-prepare dishes on the planet.

Today, Rice-a-Roni is owned by the Quaker Oats Company and offers 18 varieties. Although I haven't tried all of them (Yet!) my favorites include: Chicken, Beef, Red Beans and Rice, Rice Pilaf, Long Grain and Wild Rice, and Fried Rice.

Since I had purchased a total of 20 boxes of Rice-a-Roni, I decided to experiment a bit. I figured if my experiment failed, I would only be out a couple of bucks. But, I had a feeling my idea would work and I'm happy to report that it did!

I added one of my other favorite products, Campbell's French Onion Soup, to a box of Beef flavored Rice-a-Roni. The package called for 2-1/2 cups of water. I replaced the the water with one can of French Onion Soup and about 1 cup of water. It really "souped-up" the flavor and the onion chunks added a new layer of texture.

This dish is "souper" easy to prepare ;-). Did you like my pun, LOL! All that is required is one box of Beef flavored Rice-a-Roni, one can of Campbell's French Onion Soup and one cup of water. Food prep doesn't get much easier than that does it?

Follow the package directions for preparation of the Rice-a-Roni. Instead of using the full 2-1/2 cups water, replace with the French Onion Soup and one cup of water. Within 25 minutes, you will have a yummy side dish bursting with flavor.

BargainFinds.net - Coupons, Deals and Bargains Galore!

I recently discovered BargainFinds.net, a fabulous community of bargain hunters offering coupons, deals and bargains galore! At Bargain Finds you will discover entire sections devoted to Freebies, Hot Deals, Coupons and Travel Deals. There is an interactive forum where you can meet and mingle with other members and share your own bargain finds.

If you enjoy saving money, BargainFinds.net will soon become your favorite source. Whether you are looking for deals on gourmet food, fast food, healthy food or pet food, you're certain to find a coupon, discount code or rebate.

BargainFinds.net also offers a wealth of savings on items for home and garden. From lawnmowers to computers and candles to tabletop water fountains, there is something for everyone at this money-saving website.

Want to become a product tester? Bargain Finds has you covered. I found this great place called SheSpeaks in the "Mystery Shopping and Product Testing" section of the forum. SheSpeaks connects manufacturers to product testers. Not only do testers get to be the first to try new products, they also get to keep them and it's all FREE!

Plan on spending at least 30 minutes at BargainFinds.net. Doing so could save you hundreds of dollars, help you make money through mystery shopping, and provide you with lots of free products. As if that weren't enough, you can also make new friends by participating in the forum.

Last, but not least, BargainFinds.net offers a great game arcade to provide a little stress relief after a hectic day of bargain hunting. Go check it out. You'll be glad you did!

Super Simple Sunday Snack: Gourmet Snuggle Dogs

Around my house, Sunday is a day reserved for simple snacks and a down-home Sunday dinner. Today, my husband decided to try something new in the snack department. I must confess, if I'm not careful he could very well pass me in the culinary arts game! Of course, I could always claim his improved cooking skills are a direct result of my impeccable food coaching ;-)

This afternoon he treated me to a super simple Sunday snack which can be served for many events. In a sense, this recipe is our version of Pigs in a Blanket, but much simpler and definitely tastier. Just for fun, we'll call them Gourmet Snuggle Dogs.

If you aren't familiar with Toufayan products, you're missing out. Toufayan Bakeries sell a wide range of products including: tortilla wraps, pita breads, bagels, bread sticks, lavash and these amazing hot dogs rolls called Snuggles.

We used Johnsonville New Orleans Smoked Sausage, but you could substitute with any type of sausage or hot dog you desire.

As a side we used Mrs. T's Pierogies; a delightful pocket of whipped potatoes encased in pasta.

Here's the recipe for creating a super simple Sunday snack that feeds four in under 10 minutes:

Gourmet Snuggle Dogs
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
4 Toufayan Snuggle Buns
4 Johnsonville New Orleans Smoked Sausage
Mustard, (optional)
Ragu Cheddar Cheese Sauce (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat grill to 350 degrees or turn oven to 'Broil' setting.
2. Remove Johnsonville Sausage from package.
3. Place dogs on grill, turning frequently and cooking until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. During final minutes, place Toufayan Snuggle Buns on grill to warm.
5. Place Sausage inside Snuggle buns.
6. Using a cutting board, slice snuggle buns in 2-inch slices and secure bun with toothpick.

While dogs are cooking, preheat cooking oil to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently place Pierogies into hot oil. Cook for approximately 4 minutes until light golden brown.

Remove from oil and place on paper towel lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Transfer snuggle dogs and pierogies to individual plates. Serve with sides of mustard for dipping the dogs and cheese sauce for dipping pierogies.

This super simple snack is great for tailgate parties, girls-night out, pool parties, and family gatherings. It's perfect finger food and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone who enjoys sausage and potatoes!

How to Make Restaurant Quality Sauces at Home

Yesterday, I was in the process of making Philly Cheese Steaks when I realized I was out of cheese sauce. One area of cooking that I have never excelled at is making sauces. I love sauces. They can enhance or completely alter just about any food. The problem is most store bought sauces contain lots of ingredients that aren't all that great for you like tons of sodium and the evil MSG.

I immediately went online to locate a homemade cheese sauce. The ingredients were few and the recipe quite simple. Problem was the sauce ended up being a big ole' glop of yuckiness. Needless to say our Philly Cheese Steaks were served naked.

I decided that I was going to conquer my sauce illiteracy once and for all. I scoured the Internet for sauce recipes and cooking videos. Then I discovered "How to Make Restaurant Quality Sauces at Home".

This instant download ebook is packed with mouth-watering sauce recipes including Merlot Sauce, Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, Mushroom Sauce, Peppercorn Sauce, Mustard Tarragon Sauce, Hazelnut Cream Sauce and Orange Sauce.

One thing I love about ebooks is the fact that I can print out the recipe. If I slop food on it, it's no big deal. I just print another copy. The second thing I love about ebook cookbooks is they are affordable. I don't know if you have priced hardbound cookbooks lately, but the cheapest ones I have found are in the $30 to $40 price range.

What sold me on "How to Make Restaurant Quality Sauces at Homes" is the fact that I can save a boatload of money on sauces. Just last week, I paid over $12 for a bottle Merlot Wine sauce. By mastering homemade sauces, I can easily slash my cost by 75-percent.

If you love sauces as much as I do, check out "Restaurant Quality Sauces". For only $11.95, this cookbook is a great deal. It's backed by a 100% Satisfaction, Money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. And, best of all, if you order today you will also receive a free bonus gift of "Chef Richard's Chef's Special Sampler" - a collection of 20 tastebud tantalizing delights.

What Do Flip Flops and Chef Gordon Ramsay Have in Common?

Flip Flops Grill and Chill is a quaint beachside restaurant located at 103 S. Pine Street 725 East Third Avenue in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Their motto is "Fine Dining in Flip Flops and Tank Tops" and they live up to their aphorism. Although we didn't see any diners wearing tank tops, the food was sublime and the service exquisite.

We arrived at Flip Flops around 7:30pm on a Thursday night. The restaurant was packed and a line of hungry patrons stood outside enjoying the salty air and gentle breezes. While waiting for our table, we noticed a framed newspaper article with a photo of the infamous Danny Veltri; the self-proclaimed "redneck chef" currently competing in Hell's Kitchen.

Come to find out, Danny is the Executive Chef at Flip Flops and would be preparing our meal. I don't know about you, but I've never had a celebrity chef prepare a meal for me. I've watched Danny in action on Hell's Kitchen and expected an intoxicating meal. I was not disappointed; nor were the other members of my party.

Flip Flops menu consists of so many incredible gourmet selections it was hard to make a decision. We began our dining experience with the Bahamian Conch Fritters appetizer, which were fried to perfection and accompanied by a zesty key lime-Dijon dipping sauce.

My friend, Gail, and I ordered the Tiger Shrimp Satays with Watermelon Pico de Gallo. Entrees are served with your choice of soup or salad and a side dish. Gail chose the Cranberry Spring Salad and I enjoyed the Southwestern Chicken soup.

Flip Flop's Tiger Shrimp Satays

Our men indulged in Mahi Mahi Gone Bananas; a wicked combination of blackened mahi and grilled banana halves, and Chicken Bruschetta; a divine char-grilled chicken breast topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and garlic. Each of us chose the Peppercorn Bleu Cheese mashed potatoes for our side dish, except for Mike who went with the Pineapple and Walnut Rissoto.

Flip Flop's Mahi Mahi Gone Bananas

Flip Flop's Chicken Bruschetta

Not only was our food cooked to perfection, it was beautifully presented and accompanied by a gorgeous edible orchid. I'm certain Chef Ramsay would approve of Chef Veltri's creations.

As we were wrapping up our evening, Hell's Kitchen was being aired on the three wall mounted TVs. All eyes were watching as Danny appeared on the screen. We thanked our server for the excellent service and asked her to thank the chef. She stated he was sitting at the bar and pointed him out.

I approached Danny Veltri during the commercial break and asked if I could snap a photo with him for The Cheap Gourmet blog. He eagerly accepted my invitation and participated in a mini photo shoot.

 

From Left to Right - Gail, The Cheap Gourmet, Chef Veltri, Mike and Brad

Although I was a bit starry-eyed meeting a celebrity chef, what I found most impressive was the humble attitude of Chef Danny Veltri. Instead of taking credit for our amazing meals, he introduced us to Chef Erik Amalfitano; stating Erik is the mastermind behind the gastro-delights.

We enjoyed everything about Flip Flops Grill and Chill. From the warm reception provided by the staff upon arrival, the exquisite food and presentation, the down-home feel of the restaurant and the graciousness of the chefs, Flip Flops provided us with a meal experience unlike any other.

Next time you're in New Smyrna Beach you absolutely must pay a visit to Flip Flops. While you're there be certain to tell Chef Danny and Chef Erik that The Cheap Gourmet sent you!

Home Bistro: Lighter Side Savings for March

May 30, 2009 - Unfortunately Home Bistro has discontinued their service and closed their doors. The economic recession has hit everyone :-(

Home Bistro has authorized The Cheap Gourmet to provide special savings throughout the month of March on their Lighter Side selections. Not only will you save money, but you can also improve your health and lose some weight while you're eating gourmet!

Home Bistro offers chef-prepared meals delivered directly to your door. While many gourmet food delivery services charge outlandish prices for meals, Home Bistro has more than 55 items priced under $10. Not only are their meals affordable, they are filled with flavor and home cooked comfort.

Lighter Side selections are healthy meals that actually taste good because they are made from REAL food! Each selection is under 500 calories and contains 30-percent of the recommended daily allowance for fat and sodium. Meals are prepared to address specific dietary requirements including low-carb, lower-sodium, lower-fat and diabetic or vegetarian diet plans.

My personal favorites include: Salmon Fillet with Roasted Red Pepper Coulis, Ginger Garlic Beef with Brown Rice, Three Citrus Chicken, Ginger Garlic Chicken and Margarita Shrimp.

Take advantage of Home Bistro savings on Lighter Side meals throughout the month by using the following coupon codes:

Save $10 off purchases of $100 or more
Enter Code: March10  (expires March 31, 2009)

Save $20 off purchases of $150 or more
Enter Code: March20 (expires March 31, 2009)

You can save even more by purchasing in bulk. Here's the breakdown:

Purchase 5-9 Lighter Side meals and save an additional 10%
Purchase 10-14 Lighter Side meals and save an additional 15%
Purchase 15+ Home Bistro Lighter Side meals and save an additional 20%

Don't delay! These coupons expire at the end of March. All dinners are frozen, so now is the time to stock up and save. Check out the Home Bistro website today!

Budget Friendly Cookware: Tips for Buying the Perfect Set

As the economy seems to worsen by the day, there couldn’t be a better time to look into a quality cookware set that won’t break the bank. The large variety of cookware sets in the market today can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed and confused over which multi-piece set is better than the other.

Today, we're going to go through a few factors to consider before purchasing this kitchen addition. While ingredients and temperature settings make a big difference in our cooking, many people may not be aware of how much influence a particular cooking set has on the finished meal we serve to our guests. To determine the right budget-friendly cookware collection consider the cookware set material, number of pieces, and typical meals you prepare on a regular basis.

When it comes to affordable cookware, stainless steel set is the way to go. One thing to keep in mind with this budget-friendly option is to find a set that includes an aluminum or copper disk at the bottom of each pot and pan, as this will help distribute heat evenly and efficiently.

Stainless steel cookware doesn’t conduct heat as well as an aluminum or copper set so it’s essential to find an affordable kitchen collection that includes these strong heat conducting materials. If you’re willing to spend a little more for a high quality cookware set that is easy to clean and lightweight, consider hard anodized cookware. Hard aluminum pots and pans have been treated to create a low stick, scratch-resistant surface that doesn’t react poorly with any type of food and cooks evenly.

Budget friendly cookware consists of a balance between price and quality. You never want to buy the cheapest set in the store because it could break or wear down easily within the first few months of use.

After you have found a basic set of budget friendly cookware, look into additional pieces such as a cast iron or ceramic casserole dish to build on your cooking experience. You don’t have to get hung up on matching every additional cookware piece with your fundamental set. Instead, consider the types of meals you are looking to create and choose a cookware set material that will bring out the flavors of your dishes in the very best way!

New Bill Me Later Customers Get $10 OFF $50 at Cooking.com!

CulinarySchoolGuide.org: Top 100 Blogs for the Frugal Gourmet

Yesterday, CulinarySchoolGuide.org published their list of the Top 100 Blogs for the Frugal Gourmet. I am proud to announce The Cheap Gourmet landed in position #3 and would like to extend my gratitude for being selected.

CulinarySchoolGuide.org is a wonderful resource for anything related to foods and beverages. If you're considering attending culinary school, check out this website first. Simply type in our zip code and you'll be able to instantly find culinary schools in your area.

As you may recall, my dream is to open a small bakery within the next 5 years. I was super excited when I typed in my zip code and discovered Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts is located in Orlando! I've already sent off my request for additional information so I can develop my plan to open the most rockin' bakery on the East Coast of Florida!

In addition to locating the best culinary schools in America, CulinarySchoolGuide.org is packed with hundreds of resources to simplify your life and help you save money. Here are just a few of the wonderful resources you will find:

100 Useful Search Engines for Chefs, Cooks and Food Lovers

Top 100 Blogs for Foodies (The Cheap Gourmet ranks #82, but comes in first place under Foodies on a Budget!) 

100 Best Beer and Wine Blogs

Crash-Course Gourmet: 50 Free Open Courseware Cooking Classes

100 Best Websites for Chocolate Fanatics

Whatever your cooking needs are, CulinarySchoolGuide.org can help you find it. Be certain to bookmark their site when you visit. I'm certain you will want to return on a regular basis!

Happy Cooking!

 

 

What's for Dessert? - 7 Simple Gourmet Dessert Recipes

I'll admit it. I have an insatiable sweet tooth. If I don't have some kind of dessert on a regular basis, I get cranky. Just ask my husband. I think it stems from my childhood. My mom always made sweet treats for us. We'd come home from school and the house would be filled with the scent of chocolate chip cookies or a freshly baked cake or pie. No matter how bad our day had been, the desserts always made everything better!

While I love to cook, I love to bake even more. I still hold onto my dream of opening a bakery some day, but for now I am content baking for my friends and neighbors. If I ate everything I baked my cholesterol would be sky high!

Today, I'd like to share my favorite dessert recipes with you. I'll forewarn you -- they aren't low-fat or low-calorie. I highly recommend sharing them with others because they are so tasty you'll find yourself eating way more than you want!

Monday: Mom's Famous "Just Peachy" Peach Cobbler - This stuff is addicting. Even my husband, who isn't a sweets-person at all, enjoyed this dessert. It's tasty served hot, cold or room temperature. It's even better served with a scoop of french vanilla ice cream. Yum! 

Tuesday: Cherry Delight Pie - This is probably the easier dessert you could ever make. It requires overnight refrigeration, so if you want to eat it on Tuesday, you'll need to make it Monday night. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't like this pie and it is always a huge hit with co-workers.

Wednesday: French Toast Bread Pudding - All I can say is WOW! If you like french toast, you are going to love this dessert. This sweet treat requires overnight refrigeration so the bread can soak up the spices. It's well worth the wait and will fill your home with the most tantalizing aroma. Talk about a great way to start your day or end the evening. Magnificent!

Thursday: Fudge Pound Cake - This dessert will satisfy your need for chocolate. It's very versatile. You can serve it in thick or thin slices; eat it plain; frost it; spread cream cheese, preserves or jam on it; break it up and mix it in ice cream; and so much more.

Friday: Banana Split Brownie Pizza - This is the perfect dessert for family TV night, slumber parties, girls-night-in parties, soccer parties, football parties, any kind of party! Be careful though - this dessert is highly addicting!

Saturday: Blueberry Buttermilk Coffee Cake - There is no better way to start your day than with this luscious blueberry buttermilk coffee cake. This is by far one of my favorite weekend desserts. And, it's relatively healthy and uses organic ingredients.

Sunday: Chocolate Covered Cherries - When I was a young girl, my grandmother would give me a box of chocolate covered cherries every year for Christmas. When my daughter was a toddler she was cared for by a woman who was a baker. She taught me how to make homemade chocolate covered cherries. Although these require chocolate molds and are somewhat time consuming, they are definitely worth the time. Once you try these delicious candies you will never be able to eat boxed cherries again. These things are almost sinful!

What's for Lunch? Seven Simple Lunch Ideas

Are you tired of eating leftovers and fast food lunches? If so, you'll love these easy-to-prepare meals for people on the go! If you plan on brown-bagging your lunch, I recommend making these recipes the night before. That way, you can grab your lunchbag as you head out the door. If you work from home or serve these recipes on weekends, you'll be happy to know all of them can be made in 30 minutes or less! Enjoy and Bon Appetit!

Monday: Sesame Ginger Turkey Salad: For less than $5.00 you can have a wonderful salad that will tantalize your tastebuds. Prepare the turkey the night before and reheat in the microwave before adding to the salad greens. Delicious!

Tuesday: Healthy Lunchmeat Wrap with Fresh Fruit: This is one of my personal all-time favorites! Make the sandwich wrap the night before and wrap it in butcher's paper or plastic wrap. Place the fruit in a Tupperware container and you have a cheap gourmet lunch that is certain to satisfy!

Wednesday: Spring Vegetable Soup: This soup is packed with flavor and super easy to make. I recommend making this soup one or two nights before. The flavors marry to create a burst of fresh flavor in every bite!

Thursday: Caribbean Caesar Chicken Salad: Baked chicken combined with fresh pineapple and mango chunks atop a fresh bed of romaine lettuce provides a delightful island flavor!

Friday: Gourmet Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich: This unique twist on a classic favorite is more like dessert than lunch. Dark chocolate peanut butter, raspberry preserves, macadamia nuts and shredded coconut are certain to delight your tastebuds and your sweet tooth! 

Saturday: Spicy Garlic Grilled Chicken Wings: This is my highly regarded "secret" wings recipe. Serve with potato salad, baked beans and fried pickles for a flavorful meal that is certain to please!

Sunday: Grilled Gourmet Sandwiches: Let your imagination run free and experiment with these super simple, exceptionally tasty gourmet sandwiches!

What's for Dinner? ~ Seven Cheap Gourmet Dinner Suggestions

Are you wondering what's for dinner? If so, here are 7 super simple cheap gourmet dinner suggestions:

Monday: Balsamic and Olive Oil Marinated Pork Shoulder Steaks. This entree is perfect with sides of macaroni and cheese and green beans. Add a slice of bread with butter or dipping oil or a hot dinner roll.

Tuesday: Baked Mahi Mahi Fish. Mahi is a delightful white fish with mild flavor. If Mahi Mahi isn't available, substitute with Talipia or Cod. Serve with a baked potato and peas or green beans.

Wednesday: Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast. This entree pairs well with roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes or baked potato and a side of corn.

Thursday: Gourmet Meatloaf. Pair with a fresh garden salad, mashed potatoes and green beans, corn or peas, and a hot dinner roll.

Friday: Gourmet Flatbread Pizzas. By the end of the week most people are too tired to cook. Try these indiviual personalized pizzas for a quick, easy meal.

Saturday: Gourmet Crab Legs. This super simple recipe yields scrumptious tasty crab legs so delicious you don't even need melted butter! Serve with a side salad, baked fries and corn-on-the-cob.

Sunday: Herb Crusted Chicken Breast. This is the perfect Sunday meal! Serve with baked sweet potato fries and steamed aspargus or mashed potatoes and green beans.

Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie Cheese & Wrapped in Bacon

Last night, I whipped up an amazing chicken breast stuffed with brie cheese and wrapped in bacon. Unfortunately, my digital camera broke and I was unable to photograph my creation. However, it was so amazing I HAD to share the recipe with you. Once I purchase a new camera, I'll make the recipe again and add some photos to this post. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this delicious entree as much as we did!

Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon

Ingredients:

2 6-ounce Chicken Breasts

3 strips Bacon

4 slices Brie Cheese

Directions:

• Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry with a paper towel.

• Place chicken inside a quart-size plastic bag.

• Using a hammer, gently pound chicken until it's about 1/2-inch thick. Or, use a meat mallet.

• Place two 1/4-inch slices of Brie cheese in the center of the breast.

• Fold chicken breast twice, making sure cheese stays tucked inside.

• Wrap each breast with 1-1/2 slices of bacon. Secure with toothpicks.

• Place on broiler pan, then place in broiler.

• Broil for 7 minutes, then turn chicken breast and broil for another 7 minutes.

• Remove from broiler and let sit for 3-4 minutes.

• Remove toothpicks.

• Transfer to serving plate and enjoy!

Super Simple "Leftover" Chicken Pasta Recipe

The following Super Simple Chicken Pasta Recipe was created using leftover chicken and a variety of pastas. Do you ever have boxes with just a little bit of pasta left in them? If so, this recipe is the perfect solution!

Here's what you need to make this tasty dish. Feel free to add or delete spices and veggies to create your own unique pasta dish.

8 ounces Dried Pasta - I used penne, shells and bowtie pasta

1 or 2 Chicken breasts, diced (You could use dark or white meat or a combination)

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 cloves Garlic, minced

1/2 White or Yellow onion, chopped

1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped

1 Jalapeno Pepper, seeds removed and minced

1 Tomato, seeded and chopped

1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Using a 6-quart pot, fill about 2/3rd's of the way with water to boil the pasta.

Place the pot on a stove burner and turn on High. Add about 1 teaspoon of salt, if desired and a teaspoon of olive oil (helps to keep the pasta from sticking).

Add pasta to boiling water and cook for 10-12 minutes.

Add 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil to 12-inch skillet. Place on stovetop burner and turn heat to Medium.

Add garlic and onion. Saute until onion becomes translucent; about 4 minutes.

Add green bell and jalapeno peppers and cook for 3 minutes.

Add diced chicken.

When pasta is thoroughly cooked, drain water and add to veggie mixture in the skillet.

Reduce heat to Low.

Add tomatoes and gently toss. Cook all ingredients for 4-5 minutes.

Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Feel free to add in additional spices such as Mrs. Dash, basil, oregano or parsley.

Transfer to serving bowl and enjoy!

Add a yummy salad and freshly baked bread (Pillsbury has a fabulous French bread loaf!) for a satisfying meal.

Attention All Java Junkies - Get Your Fix with the "I Love Coffee Kit"

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a Java Junkie. If I don't have 3 cups of coffee in the morning, I'm pretty much grumpy all day. There's just something about a good cup of Joe that makes me happy (and keeps me regular, LOL!).

I can honestly say I've tasted just about every coffee on the planet. From the ridiculously expensive, but oh-so-exquisite, Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee to the cheapo no-name brands and everything in between. I pretty much like 'em all unless the flavor is too strong or bitter. I'm not a big fan of Espresso. It makes me a little too zingy.

A few years back, I worked with a woman who was starting her own coffee business. She specialized in organic coffees and roasted the beans herself. It was good stuff! 

I helped her with sales copy and marketing materials in exchange for coffee. Each month she sent me a shipment of freshly roasted beans. It was like Christmas! I'd practically run to the door and rip the package out of the UPS driver's hands. If this sounds like something you'd do, you're a Java Junkie too!

The business was starting to take off when she was called to military duty. Unfortunately, I lost contact with her and all attempts to locate her have failed thus far. I was sad to lose track of a wonderful business associate and sad to lose my coffee :-(

I'll admit it... I was spoiled. I didn't have to pay for coffee and it was shipped, freshly roasted, right to my doorstep. Thing is, I really don't care for store brand coffees. I was introduced to high-quality organic coffees way back in the 90s while working at a health food store. I received an employee discount and could drink all the coffee I wanted at work for free.

The thought of having to actually pay for coffee was more than I could bear. Like I've said before, they don't call me The Cheap Gourmet for nothing!

Which brings me to the primary focus of this post.

I discovered Gevalia Kaffe years ago. I've had service with them 3 or 4 times and am currently receiving a monthly shipment.

I'll be honest. The coffee is somewhat pricey, but it's worth every penny. In reality, it is no more expensive than high-quality coffee purchased at a retail store. Plus, there are some serious perks and high-end gifts for coffee club members.

When you join the coffee club, you can select the type of coffee you want (whole beans or ground), select from a wide range of varietals, how many 1/2-pound boxes you want, and how often you want your coffee shipped. You can change your selections at any time and suspend shipments whenever you need to.

The "I Love Coffee Kit"~ Perfect for Valentine's Day!

Gevalia is currently offering the "I Love Coffee Kit", which is perfect for Valentine's Day. For $22.95 (plus $5.95 shipping & handling), you receive:

• 2 half-pound boxes of Gevalia Kaffe

• 12-cup programmable coffee maker (It's very nice and brews a good cup!)

• 1 litre Stainless Steel thermal carafe

• 14-ounce Stainless Steel travel mug

You can receive this $168 gift for only $28.90! Now, that's what I call a bargain! And, there is no obligation to continue your subscription if you don't want to. However, I can tell you that once you try Gevalia coffee you won't want to go back to boring beans.

Gesh, I'm starting to sound like a saleswoman. Sorry about that! I'm really not trying to sell you anything. I just want everyone to know about this yummy coffee and the cool gifts ;-)

Seriously though, give Gevalia a try. If you don't like the coffee, cancel your subscription and keep the gifts. The best thing is, your gifts will help you save money because you can brew a pot of coffee at home, fill up your travel mug, and avoid spending money on a cup of coffee on your way to work. Eliminating that expense will more than cover your monthly subscription.

Click on the pretty picture below and take advantage of the "I Love Coffee Kit" order TODAY!

You might also enjoy the following articles (written by me!):

Coffees from Around the Globe

A Guide to Coffee and Tea Condiments

Gift Ideas for Coffee and Tea Lovers

 

David's Cookies and Ruggalach

I have to tell you about the most delicious sweet treat I have ever had! One of my client's sent me a 2-pound tin of Ruggalach from David's Cookies and it is absolutely to die for! Ruggalach reminds me of Baklava, only better. And, I didn't think anything was better than homemade baklava!

After receiving my tin of David's Cookies delectable Ruggalach, I had to check out their website and learn more about this unique treat. I discovered Ruggalach is a Jewish pastry of the Ashkenazic origin. Ruggalach stems from the Hebrew word, 'Roglit', meaning "creeping vine".

I'm not sure where the "creeping vine" fits in with this pastry. Perhaps, it can be attributed to the rolled layers. If you stretch these treats out, they kind of look like a long vine ;-)

The Ruggalach I received from David's Cookies included four varieties: Raspberry Walnut (sweet and crunchy), Cinnamon Raisin (earthy), Apricot Cashew (subtly sweet), and Chocolate Walnut (decadently delicious).

The dough is a made from cream cheese and butter; creating a soft, chewy dough with a light, crispy crust. When your teeth sink into the fruits, nuts and spices, an explosion of flavor is released. It truly is heaven in a pastry-pillow.

Ruggalach has officially become my new all-time favorite dessert. I have one or two pieces of Cinnamon Raisin for breakfast. Then, I indulge in one Raspberry Walnut and one Apricot Cashew for an afternoon pick-me-up. I wrap up the day with a cup of tea and one piece of Chocolate Walnut.

If you enjoy pastries, I highly recommend the Ruggalah from David's Cookies. However, if pastries aren't your thing, David's Cookies offers a wide range of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. You'll find chocolate truffle cakes, brownies, crumb cakes, pies, fruit and nut assortments, gift baskets and of course, cookies.

I'm really glad my client sent me such a wonderful gift. In addition to receiving a wonderful treat that has brought my tastebuds joy for several days, I also discovered a great place to shop for gifts. With Valentines Day just 6 weeks away, it's time to start thinking about "Love" gifts. Considering how fabulous the Rugglach is, I'm thinking everyone I know would love to receive something from David's Cookies. Go check them out. You'll be glad you did!