Sloppy Joes

The Ultimate Recipe Swap this week is birthday dinners. I decided to combine it with the Frugal Friday post because one of our the kids most requested meals for birthdays also happens to be a frugal meal. Sloppy Joes are one of Ian's favorites, and when he was younger he had a lot of allergies. There were no mixes for sloppy joes that he could eat.
Fortunately, we had a homemade mix that we liked better than the store bought ones anyway. We use ground turkey because Ian couldn't eat beef at first. Now we are just all used to ground turkey. The added benefits are that I can make it with ingredients that I always have on hand, and it is cheaper than buying Manwhich or whatever.

The recipe is adapted from Desperation Dinners
2 pounds ground turkey
1 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
6 ounces tomato sauce
6 ounces tomato paste

Cook ground turkey. Add the brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and garlic, then stir in tomato sauce and paste and cook 5 minutes more.

I have also added lentils, either pureed or whole with varying levels of success. The kids aren't too thrilled with them, but I try to sneak them in.

For more Birthday Recipies see the Ultimate Recipe Swap.
For more Frugal Ideas see Frugal Fridays.

Monster Cookies

Two Decembers ago, we were at my sister's and she made some delicious cookies. She was making them for her neighbors, but of course there were plenty for us, too. The recipe makes a ton, but the dough keeps well in the refrigerator or freezer.I asked for the recipe, but never had a chance to make them until recently. I wanted to make cookies as a thank you to someone, so I mixed a batch up. I have made quite a few since then, and I may have to mix up another batch soon!

Monster Cookies
2 pounds (4 cups) brown sugar
4 cups white sugar
12 eggs
2 Tablespoons corn syrup
1 pound butter
3 pounds (5 1/2 cups) peanut butter
8 teaspoons baking soda
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
18 cups oatmeal (one large round container plus 2 cups)

Mix and match the following ingredients:
1 pound M&M's
1 pound semi-sweet chocolate chips
Raisins
Dates
Nuts
Coconut
Other chips (white, butterscotch, etc)
Anything else you want (sunflower seeds, etc)

Mix together first 8 ingredients (everything down to- but not including- the oatmeal). Then add M&M's, chips, nuts, etc. and mix well. Then fold in oatmeal last in a huge mixing bowl or two, using your hands or a spatula. Place by 1 tablespoonfuls (you can use ice cream scoop) on ungreased cookie sheet to make a 4-5" cookie. Use a teaspoonful for 3" cookies. Bake at 325 for about 15 minutes. Done when brown around the edges; they will still look moist in the middle, but will firm as they cool. Cool 5 minutes, then on wire rack on counter. These are also good as bar cookies. The dough keeps well in refrigerator or freezer for a month or more. Bake an additional 3-5 minutes if dough is cool.

For other cookie ideas see this Cookie Recipe Swap. There are some on there I definitely want to try... you know, in my spare time.

Hot Cross Buns and other Easter traditions

As a child, I looked forward Easter each year. When we were young, my two sisters and I would have matching dresses, hats, and white gloves. As we got older, we didn't want to match anymore, but we had a new dress each Easter.
Another highlight of Easter was always our Easter basket, with dyed eggs and of course, lots of candy.
I want to make some special memories for our kids with Easter, too. Here are some of the things we have done.
1. We always have Easter baskets, but I gave them away before we moved. I didn't want to buy anymore, because I know we will just get rid of them when we move again this summer. I'm not sure if I will maybe do a temporary type of basket. I haven't really had time to think about it yet.
2. We like to have an Easter Egg hunt. Last year we did ours indoors. I'm hoping the weather will cooperate for an outdoor hunt this year.
3. We always read the Easter Story from a children's bible or book. We want to make sure the kids know the true meaning of Easter. This year we have been reading the events leading up to Easter at family devotions.
4. Last year I made Hot Cross Buns for the first time. I like the symbolism of the cross for Good FridayThere are pictures of kids enjoying their Hot Cross Buns here. This year I think I am going to make some to share with neighbors. We are out of class tomorrow, the kids are out of school and I think they will enjoy doing this as a project.

Check here for more ideas for Easter Dessert ideas. There are some yummy looking recipes, but I don't know that I will have time for much cooking this year.