A Few Short Cuts » appetizer http://afewshortcuts.com Couponing, Recipes, & Shortcuts to Save you Money Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Tide You Over Tuesday: Homemade Microwave Popcorn http://afewshortcuts.com/2012/01/tide-you-over-tuesday-homemade-microwave-popcorn/ http://afewshortcuts.com/2012/01/tide-you-over-tuesday-homemade-microwave-popcorn/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts http://afewshortcuts.com/?p=46708

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I have been on a D.I.Y. kick lately.  With homemade ranch dressing mix, Italian dressing mix, taco seasoning, and onion soup mix.  Here is another great one to add to the list!

It’s 3 PM and the kids come in from school looking for a snack.  If you are like me you try to persuade them to eat the healthiest thing in the kitchen, but more often than not you are out voted for popcorn because of convenience and taste.  What if you could both be happy?

Microwave popcorn is not the healthiest thing when purchased from the grocery store.  It is full of chemicals, salt, fake butter, and calories, plus unless you have a coupon it isn’t cheap.  Why is popcorn so expensive?

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I purchased a 2 pound bag of Popcorn kernels for $1.49.  And I bought 50 brown paper bags for $1.00.  So for $2.49 I am making 50 bags of microwave popcorn for my kids….and me.  That is $0.05 per bag! 

The added bonus is I know what they are eating, I know how much salt or other flavorings is being put on it,  I know there are no chemicals, and everyone is still happy!

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All you do is put 1/3 a cup of popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag.  That is it.  Seriously!

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Fold over the Top of the bag! Twice…to keep the popcorn contained.  Otherwise, the inside of your microwave will be a free for all of popcorn kernels. LOL

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Microwave for 2 minutes or until you hear the kernels stop popping.

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Voila!  Season with salt, butter, popcorn seasoning …whatever your heart’s desire!

Now…wait a minute….I can hear you already saying, but the boxed stuff is in my pantry and ready to go.  Well, this can be too!  How?  It is super easy!

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Just fill the bags with the 1/3 cup popcorn kernels and fold over the top.  Fold the bag just like the pre-boxed stuff and place it in a ziploc bag with directions.  I used a pencil to write it right on the bag.  Just remove from the ziploc, unfold, and microwave!

This is a job for my kids.  We just take a Saturday morning some measuring cups and bags and go to town.  They love doing it and having their snacks whenever they are hungry!

]]> http://afewshortcuts.com/2012/01/tide-you-over-tuesday-homemade-microwave-popcorn/feed/ 17 Tide You Over Tuesday: Spinach & Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms http://afewshortcuts.com/2012/01/tide-you-over-tuesday-spinach-sausage-stuffed-mushrooms/ http://afewshortcuts.com/2012/01/tide-you-over-tuesday-spinach-sausage-stuffed-mushrooms/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:00:03 +0000 Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts http://afewshortcuts.com/?p=44799

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Appetizers and snacks are a big part of our diet this time of year.  My girls birthdays are quickly approaching.  In fact, I will have a 4 year old on my hands tomorrow.  We have family and friends over for dinner to celebrate.  Then Super Bowl time and all the indulgences that come with that.

After all that hustle and bustle comes valentine’s day and if you are planning a romantic night in, this is a fantastic recipe for a special appetizer treat.  If you are watching your waist band, you can replace the pork sausage with turkey sausage to cut the fat and calories. You can even make the filling ahead and keep in in the freezer.  Just pull out and thaw, stuff the mushrooms, and pop them in the oven. Makes the whole process much faster!

These tasty little morsels, are surprising low in calories and full of healthy ingredients.  I don’t feel the least bit guilty for eating a couple of them when they popped out of the oven.  I mean look at them, you try to resist stealing one!

Spinach & Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
5.0 from 1 reviews
Print
Type: Appetizer
By: Amanda @ AFewShortCuts.com
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 package of Baby portabella mushroom caps
  • 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (gluten free bread can be used)
  • 1 pkg frozen chopped spinach
  • 1/2 cup shredded asiago or Italian cheese mix
  • 1/4 tsp garlic salt or garlic powder
  • 1 tsp olive oil
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. in a skillet brown italian sausage
  3. While sausage is browning defrost spinach and drain liquid from it.
  4. Place browned sausage, spinach, bread crumbs, seasonings, 1 tsp olive oil, and 1/4 cup cheese in a mixing bowl and stir together
  5. Clean and Remove stems from Mushrooms.
  6. Fill each mushroom cap with filling.
  7. Place in a baking dish and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil. Top with the rest of the shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and mushrooms are softened.
  8. Serve immediately
Notes

If there is extra filling place in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze for another batch. Or use it to fill Large shell pasta for dinner later in the week.

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Gather your ingredients, and preheat oven to 350.

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Brown the sausage in the skillet.

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Mix the sausage, spinach, bread crumbs, cheese, seasonings, and olive oil in bowl.

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Fill the cleaned mushroom caps and place in baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and top with more shredded cheese.

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Bake for 20 minutes.

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Serve immediately!

 

]]> http://afewshortcuts.com/2012/01/tide-you-over-tuesday-spinach-sausage-stuffed-mushrooms/feed/ 1 Tide You Over Tuesday: Cranberry Feta Pinwheels http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/12/tide-you-over-tuesday-cranberry-feta-pinwheels/ http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/12/tide-you-over-tuesday-cranberry-feta-pinwheels/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:05:22 +0000 Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts http://afewshortcuts.com/?p=42360

cranberry feta pinwheels

This is an appetizer to wow a crowd!  These are so simple yet sophisticated.  The ingredients in this appetizer really tickle your taste-buds and will leave your guests wanting more.

I love that these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are so easy to throw together and have ready to go for your get togethers. You will have more time to spend visiting and spreading Christmas cheer and less time in the kitchen.

Don’t miss these great other Appetizer Recipes!

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
5.0 from 1 reviews
Print
Type: Appetizer
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Serves: 48
Ingredients
  • 1 (170 g) package dried sweetened cranberries
  • 1 (250 g) container cream cheese spread
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion
  • 4 large flour tortillas or 4 large wheat flour tortillas or 4 large spinach tortillas
Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients except tortillas, mix well.
  2. Divide and spread mixture evenly among tortillas.
  3. Roll up tightly, wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least one hour.
  4. To serve cut into 12 slices.
  5. A nice variation is to add thin slices of ham on top of the spread before rolling.
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Photo Credit

]]> http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/12/tide-you-over-tuesday-cranberry-feta-pinwheels/feed/ 1 Tide You Over Tuesday: Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/12/tide-you-over-tuesday-cranberry-cocktail-meatballs/ http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/12/tide-you-over-tuesday-cranberry-cocktail-meatballs/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:00:45 +0000 Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts http://afewshortcuts.com/?p=41749

cranberry meatballs

As promised, and a little late.  Here is another great holiday appetizer!  My husband loves those BBQ Meatballs in the crockpot with Grape Jelly.  Me….not so much.   This is a holiday twist on those cocktail meatballs, that in my opinion, taste much better!

My favorite part is that these can be made in the crockpot, that way they are warm and ready to go when your company arrives.  Try these super easy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs this holiday season!

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
Print
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4-5 dozen
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup corn flake crumbs or rice chex crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup chopped, fresh parsley
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup minced onions
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 can (16 ounces) cranberry sauce, jellied or whole cranberry sauce
  • 12 ounces chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Directions
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, corn flake crumbs, parsley, eggs, ketchup, onion, soy sauce, garlic powder and pepper.
  2. Blend ingredients well and form into small balls, about 3/4-inch in diameter. Place in a casserole or baking pan. Preheat oven to 300°.
  3. Combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until mixture is blended.
  4. Pour hot sauce over meatballs in casserole. Bake for about 45 minutes, depending on the size of the meatballs. Transfer to crockpot and keep on LOW for serving.
  5. Makes 4 to 5 dozen meatballs, depending on size.
Notes

If you are short on time you can use frozen meatballs and just make cranberry sauce. Toss the meatballs and the sauce in the crockpot for 2 Hours on high.

GLUTEN FREE
These can be made gluten free with rice chex crumbs and Gluten free soy sauce.

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]]> http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/12/tide-you-over-tuesday-cranberry-cocktail-meatballs/feed/ 0 Tide You Over Tuesday: Thanksgiving Appetizer Roundup http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/11/tide-you-over-tuesday-thanksgiving-appetizer-roundup/ http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/11/tide-you-over-tuesday-thanksgiving-appetizer-roundup/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:00:00 +0000 Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/11/tide-you-over-tuesday-thanksgiving-appetizer-roundup/

So you have friends and family coming over for Thanksgiving….or you have been chosen to bring a dish with you to your Thanksgiving get-together.  It is time to find a recipe to WOW the crowd.  Never fear.  Here is a list of my favorite, tastiest, all time most delicious appetizers!

Bacon Appetizer Crescents

Cheesy Cucumber Bites

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Creamy Spinach Pinwheels

Spinach Artichoke Dip

]]> http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/11/tide-you-over-tuesday-thanksgiving-appetizer-roundup/feed/ 1 Tide You Over Tuesday: Bacon Appetizer Crescents http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/11/tide-you-over-tuesday-bacon-appetizer-crescents/ http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/11/tide-you-over-tuesday-bacon-appetizer-crescents/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:03:25 +0000 Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts http://afewshortcuts.com/?p=39337

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As promised the Holiday Appetizers continue.  I know the need to have quick easy snacks ready to go for Holiday company.  I love serving just a variety of appetizers even for meals.  Makes it kinda fun.

My husband is all about bacon…well, we all are really.  My kids can eat their weight in bacon.  I have to limit them to a slice or 2.  My littlest came running when she smelled the bacon cooking today.  “Mama…is that for me? I’m hungry! “ She just makes me grin.  So I reserved a piece for her to snack on while I finished.

Try these next time you are expecting company.

Bacon Appetizer Crescents
Print
Type: Appetizer
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Serves: 16
Ingredients
  • 1 (8 ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened
  • 8 slices Bacon, cooked, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
Directions
  1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Mix all ingredients except crescent dough.
  3. Separate each can of dough into 8 triangles; cut each triangle lengthwise in half. Spread each dough triangle with 1 generous tsp. cream cheese mixture; roll up, starting at short side of triangle. Place, point-sides down, on baking sheet.
  4. Bake 12 to 15 min. or until golden brown. Serve warm.
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Don’t forget to try these other great Appetizers!

]]> http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/11/tide-you-over-tuesday-bacon-appetizer-crescents/feed/ 1 Tide You Over Tuesday: Tomato & Basil Bruschetta http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/10/tide-you-over-tuesday-tomato-basil-bruschetta/ http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/10/tide-you-over-tuesday-tomato-basil-bruschetta/#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:23:27 +0000 Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts http://afewshortcuts.com/?p=36697

bruschetta

Oh it is cold outside and I love the smell of crusty hot fresh bread.  Especially when it is coming out of my oven.   This french bread recipe is one of my favorites, not only is it easy, it is so delicious. People will wonder which bakery you bought it from.

I love turning it into garlic bread, croutons, and just eating it with a little bit of butter.  This Tomato & Basil Bruschetta is a great way to finish up the end of the season garden goodies.  Top it with a little bit of fresh mozzarella and I am in heaven.

Tide You Over Tuesday: Tomato & Basil Bruschetta
Print
Type: Appetizer
By: Amanda@AFewShortcuts.com
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Serves: 24
Ingredients
  • 6 or 7 ripe plum tomatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs) peeled, seeded,and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 baguette French bread or similar Italian bread
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
Directions
  1. Make sure there is a top rack in place in your oven. Turn on the oven to 450°F to preheat.
  2. While the oven is heating, Put tomatoes, garlic, 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, vinegar in a bowl and mix. Add the chopped basil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Slice the bread on a diagonal about 1/2 inch thick slices. Coat one side of each slice with olive oil using a pastry brush. Place on a cooking sheet, olive oil side down. You will want to toast them in the top rack in your oven, so you may need to do these in batches depending on the size of your oven. Once the oven has reached 450°F, place a tray of bread slices in the oven on the top rack. Toast for 5-6 minutes, until the bread just begins to turn golden brown.
  4. Align the bread on a serving platter, olive oil side up. Either place the tomato topping in a bowl separately with a spoon for people to serve themselves over the bread, or place some topping on each slice of bread and serve. If you top each slice with the tomatoes, do it right before serving or the bread may get soggy.
  5. Serves 6-10 as an appetizer. Or 3-4 for lunch. You may want to top with some fresh mozzarella cheese (optional)
  6. Yield: Makes 24 small slices.
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]]> http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/10/tide-you-over-tuesday-tomato-basil-bruschetta/feed/ 1 Weekly Meal Deal: Honey & Hot Sauce Chicken Strips http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/10/weekly-meal-deal-honey-hot-sauce-chicken-strips/ http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/10/weekly-meal-deal-honey-hot-sauce-chicken-strips/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:56:10 +0000 Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts http://afewshortcuts.com/?p=35994

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I am always looking for kid friendly meals that will please the whole family.  Let’s admit, there are only so many times a year you can eat chicken nuggets without turning into one.   So I figured I would experiment in the kitchen this afternoon.   I started pulling out some easy ingredients for a chicken dressing that was so good, the little ones asked for seconds, and so did the hubby.

This meal is super easy, and affordable which helps it earn 5 stars in my book.  Plus, dinner was on the table in 30 minutes or less. Gotta love it!

Weekly Meal Deal: Honey & Hot Sauce Chicken Strips
Print
Type: Dinner
By: Amanda@AFewShortCuts.com
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Tenders, or sliced Chicken Breasts
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 8 tablespoons honey
  • Sprinkle of dried cilantro (cause I wanted to be fancy)
  • 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco or Crystal brand
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, or to taste (optional)
Directions
  1. Salt and Pepper the chicken tenders. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the chicken and cook, turning as necessary, until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the honey, hot red pepper sauce, cilantro, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the ingredients as needed. You may want to use less hot sauce and add it to taste. If you use too much hot sauce right off the bat, you can add more honey and lemon juice to cut the spice.
  3. As you remove the chicken from the skillet dip it in the sauce before plating. You can also serve some of the sauce on the side for dipping.
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]]> http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/10/weekly-meal-deal-honey-hot-sauce-chicken-strips/feed/ 3 Tide You Over Tuesday: Breakfast Sausage Pinwheels http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/10/tide-you-over-tuesday-breakfast-sausage-pinwheels/ http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/10/tide-you-over-tuesday-breakfast-sausage-pinwheels/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 02:03:35 +0000 Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts http://afewshortcuts.com/?p=35894

sausage rolls

My poor hubby has been neglected lately.  He gets up and heads to work in the morning without breakfast most of the time.   I was looking through my cookbooks for something hearty, quick, and easy that I can make him for breakfast.  This not only looked easy enough, the sound so good!

These would make a fabulous addition to a brunch buffet.  You could serve them with some scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast. They could even be turned into an appetizer.

Tide You Over Tuesday: Breakfast Sausage Pinwheels
Print
Type: breakfast
By: Amanda @ AFewShortCuts.com
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 28 mins
Total Time: 43 mins
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 (11-ounce) can refrigerated French bread dough
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces reduced-fat pork sausage, cooked and crumbled (such as Jimmy Dean)
  • 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
  • Cooking spray
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Find lengthwise seam in dough. Beginning at seam, gently unroll dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a 13 x 8-inch rectangle; brush with butter, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
  3. Combine sage, salt, and sausage. Sprinkle sausage mixture evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border; top with cheese. Starting with a long side, roll dough up, jelly-roll fashion; press seam to seal (do not seal ends of roll).
  4. Cut 1 (1/2-inch-thick) crosswise slice from each end; discard. Slice roll crosswise into 12 (1/2-inch-thick) pieces; arrange in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.
  5. Bake at 350° for 28 minutes or until golden.
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]]> http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/10/tide-you-over-tuesday-breakfast-sausage-pinwheels/feed/ 1 Tide You Over Tuesday: Black Bean Soup Dip http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/10/tide-you-over-tuesday-black-bean-soup-dip/ http://afewshortcuts.com/2011/10/tide-you-over-tuesday-black-bean-soup-dip/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:27 +0000 Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts http://afewshortcuts.com/?p=35492

Football is on at my house all weekend long.  And on Mondays….and sometimes Thursday nights.  Then, Sportscenter plays the other days in between.  ~chuckles~ It’s ok.  I have come to terms with my football addict husband.  It has been something I have known for quite sometime.  He did not surprise me with this fact.  I knew he loved it when I met him.

Now my kids are on the bandwagon.  Cheering for teams, first downs, and touchdowns.  It really is pretty cute! So, on football days we are all about the snack foods, and appetizers.  This is one from the back of the ole’ recipe box.  Forgotten, but still loved! It is making it’s way back into rotation.  You should try it!

Tide You Over Tuesday: Black Bean Soup Dip
Print
Type: appetizer
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients
  • 1 can Progresso black bean soup (or other large can)
  • 1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 dash lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
  2. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until ingredients are well blended together.
  3. Chill for several hours.
  4. Remove from refrigerator and let sit for about 20 minutes before serving.
Notes

Serve with tortilla chips!

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