Saturday Frugal Food : Hot Chocolate

I make this wonderful thing called Heart Attack Hot Chocolate. I love it, my husband loves it, my friend Amee seemed fairly fond of it. I make it from scratch with ingredients that I have around the house and it saves me from buying expensive drink mix.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
1C - 1 1/2 C Milk

Cost per Serving : Approx $0.40

Pour the milk in a pan and set over a medium heat. Stirring as much as possible, add the other ingredients. Mix well and continue to heat until warmed through.

You can add a little peppermint flavoring if you want it minty, or for real Heart Attack Hot Chocolate, top with marshmallows, whipped cream, and grated chocolate!

Saturday Frugal Food: Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

Pasta with a red sauce is one of the most frugal foods I know. This recipe is for a basic tomato sauce that can also be used in things like lasagna, or as a base for pizza.

Ingredients

1 Large Can Diced Tomatoes
1 Very Small Can Tomato Paste
1 Normal can of Tomato Puree
1 Tsp Dried Oregano
1 Tbsp Dried Basil
2 Garlic Cloves (finely chopped)

Cost per Serving : Approx $0.62

This is ridiculously simple. Take all of the ingredients and put them in a pan. Cover the pan, turn on a low heat, simmer for 20 minutes. That is all there is to it. You can add veggies like bell peppers or onions if you have some left over that need using up, but this sauce holds up really well on it's own. This will keep in the fridge for more than a week, or you can freeze it in Tupperware and defrost as needed.

Check out these other frugal recipes:

Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cheese and Egg Wrap

Saturday Frugal Food : Stuffed Acorn Squash

This is a yummy and healthy vegetarian dish. It goes great with a side salad or a soup. 

Ingredients

2 Acorn Squash

1 Small Onion

6oz Mushrooms

1/2 C Breadcrumbs

2 Tbsp Butter

1/2 Tsp Thyme

1/2 Tsp Parsley

Dash of Salt

Dash of Pepper

Cost per Serving: Approx $2.50

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the top of the acorn squashes and scoop all of the seeds out. Place the squashes cut side down on a baking tray and bake or 30 minutes.

In the meantime, finely slice the onion and mushrooms. Melt the butter in a pan and sautee the mushrooms and onions over a medium heat for 8-10 minutes, until softened. Mix in the herbs and spices and set aside. 

After the squash is finished baking, pull out of the over and set right side up. Mix the breadcrumbs into the onions and mushrooms, then generously fill the squash with the mixture. Bake for another 20 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. 

Check out this other Frugal Recipe:

Cheese and Egg Wrap

Saturday Frugal Food : Cheese and Egg Wrap

Having contemplated long and hard I have decide to make Saturday frugal recipe day. Without further ado, here is a great quick and easy lunch recipe that costs pennies to make.

Ingredients

1 Large Flour Wrap or Tortilla
2 Eggs
1/4C Grated Sharp Cheddar
1 Tablespoon Water
Pinch of Salt
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil for frying

Cost Per Serving : Approx. $1.48

Heat the oil in a shallow frying pan or omelet pan. In a bowl, beat the eggs and add the water and salt. Pour the eggs into the pan and cook over a medium heat. When one side has set (about two minutes), flip over and scatter the cheese on the cooked side. Cook for a minute or so more until the cheese starts to melt. Put in the middle of the tortilla, roll up, and enjoy!

Try it out and let me know what you think!