Photo thanks to Pillsbury.com…because of exhausted mom syndrome.

Summer is almost here.  Longer days,  Kids running around, More time in the sun…all of these and more leads to exhausted mom syndrome.  A mom who doesn’t really feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The crockpot, and easy meals will be your friend.

This meal has only 4 ingredients, but they blend so well together!  I love fresh pesto! Basil will soon take over my container garden, and a recipe for fresh pesto will follow.  Until then, store bought will do and with Provolone cheese you can’t get much better!

Chicken Pesto Sandwiches
• Chicken Pesto Sandwiches

  • 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto
  • 2 oz thinly sliced cooked chicken
  • 2 slices (1 oz each) provolone cheese, cut in half

  DIRECTIONS

  • Separate or cut dough into 4 long rectangles (if using crescent rolls, press perforations to seal). Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
  • Spread pesto onto each rectangle. Place chicken and cheese on one end of each rectangle. Fold dough over filling; press edges with fork to seal. Cut a small slit on top.
  • Bake at 375°F 13 to 16 minutes.

Want some more time savers? Check out these Crockpot recipes!

I am a cookbook collector. I used to just say I like reading cookbooks, but the stacks of them around the house now scream collector.  I started reading cookbooks to learn how to cook.  I had no clue what I was doing.  The first meal I made for my husband was spaghetti.  The second…Hamburger helper.  It is amazing he survived, but he is loving my cooking now.

Cookbooks gave me insight to something I knew nothing about. Well, very little. It always amazes and intrigues me that when you look at an old cookbook they include branded items, like Gold Medal flour, or Hershey’s Cocoa. These were basically advertisements for these companies, but they produced some amazing recipes. I have found some very odd product that I never even knew existed before.

Well, this recipe is not an advertisement, but a great recipe that I found for Chicken Pasta Primavera that takes minutes to make (you know I am all about shortcuts!).  It comes from Kraft, but can be tweaked to make it your own, and be a show stopper for dinner!  Plus, most of the ingredients are on sale at Target right now!

Chicken Pasta Primavera
• Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe

  Recipe from Kraft Foods.com

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables (broccoli, carrots, red peppers, snow peas)
  • 1 (10 ounce) tub PHILADELPHIA Italian Cheese and Herb Cooking Creme
  • 2 cups hot cooked fettuccine or other pasta

  Directions
  

  • Cook and stir chicken in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 5 to 6 min. or until done. Add vegetables; cook 2 to 3 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
  • Add cooking creme; cook and stir 3 min.
  • Stir in pasta.
  • Top with shredded mozerella and fresh basil if desired.
    

Tips

• Use Gluten Free Pasta for a great gluten free meal
• Instead of frozen you can use fresh veggies from the garden or farmers market.
• Top with basil or shredded mozzarella to really make this dish fancy!

Chicken Pasta Primavera
• Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe

  Recipe from Kraft Foods.com

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables (broccoli, carrots, red peppers, snow peas)
  • 1 (10 ounce) tub PHILADELPHIA Italian Cheese and Herb Cooking Creme
  • 2 cups hot cooked fettuccine or other pasta

  Directions
  

  • Cook and stir chicken in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 5 to 6 min. or until done. Add vegetables; cook 2 to 3 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
  • Add cooking creme; cook and stir 3 min.
  • Stir in pasta.
  • Top with shredded mozerella and fresh basil if desired.
    

Target Shopping List
• Philadelphia Cooking Creme - $2.99

  -$1 Philadelphia Cooking Creme Target Mobile Coupon
  -$1.50/1 Philadelphia Cooking Creme, exp. 5-31-11 (SS 03/06/11)
  -$1.50/1 Philadelphia Cooking Creme, exp. 5-30-11 (Blinkie)
  $0.49 after stack
  

• 1.5 lb Chicken Breasts

  $1/1 Foster Farms Boneless Skinless Breast Item printable
  $1.50/2 Market Pantry Frozen Chicken Target printable
  $0.75/1 Perdue Boneless Chicken Breasts, exp. 6-5-11 (RP 04/10/11)
  

• Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Pasta, Assorted Varieties - $1.19

  $1/2 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest printable
  $0.69 after coupon
  
  

• Archer Farms Frozen Vegetables

  B1G1 Archer Farms Frozen Vegetables, exp. 6-25 (Target Expect More)
  $1/4 Archer Farms or Market Pantry Frozen Vegetables Target printable
  

Check out these other great dinner ideas

I am always looking for new twists on classic dishes.  Here at A Few ShortCuts I like to feature delicious, easy, Family friendly recipes.  I don’t want to be a short order cook and I know you don’t want to be either. I try to make all of my recipes something the entire family will enjoy digging into!

I knew I wanted to use my crockpot this week.  I am getting used to living in a house with a basement.  The downstairs is plum cold, while the upstairs gets hot enough for the ac while I am cooking.  I just don’t get it, but the only way I know to avoid using the oven for dinner is busting out Hamilton (my crockpot).

We love BBQ at my house!  This recipe makes some AMAZINGLY moist BBQ Chicken that is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or just by itself. I just wish crockpot food was more photogenic, because the picture does not do this recipe justice!

Crockpot BBCola Chicken

• • 5-6 boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 can of cola
  • 1 16 oz bottle of BBQ Sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion

  Directions

  • Place all the items into the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • Serve with rice, salad, potatoes, etc.

TIPS

• Make extra for on salad at lunch
• Gluten free- Make sure the BBQ Sauce is Gluten Free
• Make your own Macaroni Salad to go with

Crockpot BBCola Chicken

• • 5-6 boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 can of cola
  • 1 16 oz bottle of BBQ Sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion

  Directions

  • Place all the items into the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • Serve with rice, salad, potatoes, etc.

Shopping List
• 2 lbs Chicken Breast

  Stock up Price $1.99 lb

• BBQ Sauce - KC Masterpiece $1.45

  -$0.50/1 KC Masterpiece Products 3/13/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/15/2011)

• Cola 2 liter $1

  Only need 12 oz for recipe

• Onion - $0.50

As Little as $1.07 per Serving

I have more Crockpot Recipes HERE

Ever had one of THOSE days?! Of course you have.  We all have!  Today was one of THOSE days for me.  No matter how you plan, or what intentions you have….it just doesn’t go your way.

When you have a day like that you don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. The last thing I want to do is step in the kitchen, but I have no choice.  I stopped by Target for a rotisserie chicken.  They have the best and they are only $4.99.  You can also find the rotisserie chickens in the cooler at the deli. They are great to help you prep meals fast.

Although my family is happy with just he chicken, it is fun to get creative!  So, we are taking a shortcut and taking that rotisserie chicken and turning it into a BBQ Chicken Pizza.

TIPS

• Use a gluten free pizza crust and check BBQ sauce to make sure it is GF.
• Buy Cheese when it is on sale and freeze.  Great stockpile item
• Grow your own cilantro.  Super easy and great in everything from nachos to salad.
• Buy chicken breasts on sale, precook and freeze for recipes like this and salads.

Now for the shopping list.  Just click the check boxes below to print.

Shopping List
• Target Rotisserie -$4.99

• KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce 18 oz Bottle $1.42 – $1.47 (Regular Price)

  -.50/1; $1/2 KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce or Marinade 3-13-11 SS x5/15
  -$2 Off Pork Ribs wyb any KC Masterpiece Product.
  = as low as .92 cents each after coupon
  

• Kraft Shredded Cheese

  $1.50/2 Kraft Block or Shredded Cheese TARGET coupon (exp 4/9/2011)
  $1/1 Kraft Shredded Cheese with Philadelphia (IE)  Printable (FF)
  $1/2 Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese 3/13/2011 SS Insert (exp 4/24/2011)
  $1/2 Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese 3/13/2011 SS Insert (exp 4/24/2011)
  $1/2 Kraft Shredded Cheese with Philadelphia
  $0.50/1 Kraft Shredded Cheese with Philadelphia
  

• Pizza Crust

• Red Onion

• Fresh Cilantro

Photo Courtesy of AllRecipes.com

Picture courtesy of Campbells

Casseroles.  I have a love for every meaning of the word. Whether it is a cute baking dish, or the food in the dish; it makes me happy! I can’t wait until yard sale season to start looking for classic retro corningware and other fashionable bakeware.

This weeks meal deal is an affordable, stockpile meal that can be made when you have 30 minutes or less to get dinner on the table.

There is a printable shopping list this week along with the recipe.  Just click the check boxes and you will see the printable list box pop up.

Tips

• Use precooked chicken like Tyson Grilled & ready or Rotisserie Chicken.

• Cook rice ahead and keep it in a container in the fridge to throw this together faster.

• Gluten Free- Look for Gluten free soup brands to make this dish GF; like Amy’s

Shopping List w/Current Target Prices
• Foster Farms Fresh Boneless,Skinless Chicken Breasts $2.99 lb

  -$1/1 Foster Farms Boneless, Skinless Fresh Chicken 1-2-11 SS x3/31

• Kraft Shredded Cheese 7-8 oz Bag OR Kraft Touch of Philadelphia $2.04 – $2.54 (Regular Price)

  *$1.50/2 Kraft Block or Shredded 7- or 8-oz. Cheese Target Web Coupon x4/9
  -$1/2 Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese, any 3-13-11 SS x4/24
  -$1/2 Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese with A Touch of Philadelphia 3-13-11 SS x4/24
  -$1/2 Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese with a Touch of Philadelphia
  = as low as $1.58 for 2 or .79 cents each after stack depending on price at your store

• Rice

  Small Bags Mahatma Rice around $1
  -$0.50/1 Mahatma or Water Maid Rice 1/23/2011 RP Insert (exp 4/30/2011)

• Peas (15oz can or frozen)

  Est $1 or less

• 2 Cans soup (cream of mushroom & cream of celery)

  $0.40/5 Campbell's Great for Cooking Soup 3/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/15/2011)
  $0.25/4 Campbell's Great for Cooking Soup 3/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/15/2011)
  $0.40/1 Campbell's Condensed Soup 3/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/15/2011)
  $0.25/4 Campbell's Condensed Soups 1/9/2011 SS Insert (exp 3/31/2011)
  
  You can typically find store brand for less than $1 a can
  

For more great Dinner Recipes check these out!

Ok,  I am going to show my girly side for a minute.  I know something big is going on in the world of Basketball right now.  I am not exactly sure what.  Some sort of playoffs I guess.  All I know is that we needed man food and fast.

This weeks Tide You Over Tuesday puts those free/cheap crackers and other cheap groceries to use! This dip is delicious and would be perfect at any party or get together this Spring!  Plus, it is easy!  Who doesn’t love something that you can just throw in the crockpot?

Just click the checkboxes to print the recipe and list.

TIPS

• Get this dip started the night before and just refrigerate until about an hour before the party.  Pop it in the crockpot and you are good to go!
• Gluten Free-  You can use gluten free crackers or those new Food Should Taste Good Chips, but check the labels on the ranch dressings.  They may contain wheat.
• This would even make a great spread for sandwiches!  Hey it’s a 2 for 1!

I even made a shopping list with coupons for you this week!

Don’t forget to look for more great Appetizer Recipes!

*Photo Credit All Recipes.com

The New Year Resolution that I am trying to make is stepping out of my comfort zone.  Many of us don’t like to step out of our comfort zones, because that is what we are comfortable with.  I find myself in ruts with food, life, etc.  I am trying to try a few new foods, and make an effort to taste things I wouldn’t normally try. This meal is one of them.

A while back I was watching TV and Rachel Ray made a version of this Spicy Peanut Chicken.  I didn’t turn my nose up at it, but I wasn’t compelled to make it either.  It just wasn’t anything I wanted to try.  When I saw the sale at Publix this week, I knew that this Spicy Peanut Chicken would fit perfectly. So, I made it.  I surprised myself.  It was really good!  Not something I would have picked,  but it is savory and filling!

If you are looking for a new menu item this week, you should try this!

Spicy Peanut Chicken

spicy peanut chicken Printable Version

• · 1 ½ lb Boneless Chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
• · 3 TBSP Vegetable oil
• · 1 Bell Pepper diced into ½ inch pieces
• · Salt & Pepper
• · 1 TBSP Ginger
• · 4 cloves of Garlic, minced
• · ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• · ¼ cup soy sauce
• · ½ cup chicken stock
• · 1 TBSP Chili Powder (+/-)
• · 1 cup unsalted dry roast peanuts
• · Water chesnuts or scallions, chopped (optional)

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, then add the bell pepper and stir fry for 2 minutes more.

Remove the chicken and pepper to a plate and add 2 Tablespoons more oil to the pan. Add Ginger and Garlic and stir fry for 15 seconds, then add in the peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken stock, chili powder and stir to combine into a sauce.

Add the water chestnuts and scallions if you desire and toss for 1 minute, then add the chicken and peppers back to the pan with the peanuts and turn to coast in the sauce.

Serve over the rice.

Makes 4 servings

Meal Deal

Here is the meal deal this week.  This is the price of these items this week at Publix thank to Michelle at I Heart Publix.  You could make this cheaper if you have these items on hand in your stockpile or purchase them at another store.

1 1/2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken $1.99/lb ($2.99)

Peter Pan Peanut Butter 13 or 16.3 oz jar BOGO $2.49
-$0.50/1 Peter Pan Peanut Butter Jar, Any – 1/2/2011 SS
-$1/1 Peter Pan Publix Coupon 12/12/10 SS
Buy 2 Use 2 Manufacturer and 2 Publix Coupons, (Get $0.50 overage in FL) $1.50 everywhere else

Soy Sauce $2.25 (Est)

Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables, Assorted Varieties, 7.5 to 22 oz pkg or Corn on the Cob, 4 or 12 ct pkg (Including All Varieties and Sizes) 50% Off ($2.29 est before sale)
-$0.50/2 Birds Eye Vegetables 12/12/2010 SS Insert (exp 1/31/2011)
$0.65 Est after Coupon

Rice Small Bag $1 (EST)

TOTAL

$6.39 FL or – $5.39 other locations

Divide by 4

$1.60 Per Serving in FL
$1.35 Per Serving other locations

Plus, extra Peanut Butter!

That is a great price for a fabulous meal!

I have plenty of dinner ideas, in my dinner recipe section!

This week is all about ease!  I have been overwhelmed with all of the online Christmas deals and schooling the kids!  Not to mention housework.  Apparently you are supposed to fold the clothes when they come out of the dryer…who knew?

I needed a meal that I could throw together in minutes, but wasn’t the same ole’ dinner. This one did the trick.  Not only is it very easy, but I had it on the table in about 30 minutes!

Here is my Quick Balsamic Chicken Recipe!

Quick Balsamic Chicken

• 3 Chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb)
• 1 Bottle Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cut each chicken breast in half, so they cook faster and are the proper size.

Place chicken in a baking dish and pour about 1/2 cup dressing over the chicken.

Bake for about 20-30 minutes until cooked through.

You can serve with pasta, over a salad, or even with mashed potatoes.

I served this with some pasta, and made a quick sauce with some diced tomato, olive oil, and garlic salt.  I topped it with some shredded mozzarella.  I added a side salad, and dinner was ready!

It was so delicious!

Looking for more great dinners?  Check out all of my dinner recipes here!

I was going to make this yesterday, but by the time I hit the store and came home I didn’t have enough time to get it in the crockpot.  Everything happens for a reason.  Today I had plenty of time to get this meal ready and not feel rushed.

I new that the idea of Praline Chicken sounded good, but I had no idea just how wonderful this would turn out.  I honestly think that this is one of the best meals I have ever made from scratch.  Seriously!  After making it I thought to myself, “This could be served at a gourmet bistro, and it came out of my crockpot!”

I served it on top of baby spinach greens, but you could put this over rice, couscous, whatever floats your boat.  For an added bonus I made a batch of sweet potato fries and included the recipe too!

What shocked me was that my picky 6 year old son not only tried it, but ate every last morsel of food on his plate.   I didn’t give him spinach, but he ate the chicken and the sweet potato fries.  That is saying something right there.

This is a keeper at my house.  It will be added to the regular rotation of meals!  Give it a try and let me know what you think!

I love that it is gluten free and dairy free,  no changes were necessary!

Praline Chicken (Crockpot)

Praline Chicken Printable Version

• 6 small or 3 large chicken breasts cut into chunks
• Creole seasoning
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup Maple syrup (Pancake Syrup)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Toss Chicken breast chunks with creole seasoning.

In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat.  Brown Chicken on all sides.  It doesn’t need to be cooked through.

After browned add chicken to crockpot.

In a bowl mix Maple Syrup, sugar, and pecans.

Pour over chicken and cook in crockpot on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Serve over rice, baby spinach,  whatever you choose.

Makes 6 servings

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Fries Printable Version

• 2 Sweet potatoes
• olive oil
• creole seasoning (you could use just salt if you prefer)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Cut Sweet potato into fries.

Toss in a bowl with olive oil, then season.

Place on a foil covered baking pan in one layer and bake for 10 minutes.

Flip over fries and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until cooked through.  This will depend on how thick they were cut.

Serve!

Meal Deal

Not only is this meal delicious but economical too!  Chicken breasts are on sale $1.99/lb this week at Publix!  Here is the cost breakdown.  I made this for much cheaper because I had items in my stockpile.  I only had to purchase the salad.  I had everything else on hand!

2lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.99/lb = $3.98

Pecans approx $3.50

Pancake Syrup approx $2.50

Sweet Potatoes approx $0.50/lb ($2)

Salad Blend approx $2.25

Total= $14.23

Divide by 6 Servings

$2.37 per serving!

You can make this for less if you have these items on hand!

If you are looking for more Crockpot Recipes just check here

I was going to make this yesterday, but by the time I hit the store and came home I didn’t have enough time to get it in the crockpot.  Everything happens for a reason.  Today I had plenty of time to get this meal ready and not feel rushed.

I new that the idea of Praline Chicken sounded good, but I had no idea just how wonderful this would turn out.  I honestly think that this is one of the best meals I have ever made from scratch.  Seriously!  After making it I thought to myself, “This could be served at a gourmet bistro, and it came out of my crockpot!”

I served it on top of baby spinach greens, but you could put this over rice, couscous, whatever floats your boat.  For an added bonus I made a batch of sweet potato fries and included the recipe too!

What shocked me was that my picky 6 year old son not only tried it, but ate every last morsel of food on his plate.   I didn’t give him spinach, but he ate the chicken and the sweet potato fries.  That is saying something right there.

This is a keeper at my house.  It will be added to the regular rotation of meals!  Give it a try and let me know what you think!

I love that it is gluten free and dairy free,  no changes were necessary!

Praline Chicken (Crockpot)

Praline Chicken Printable Version

• 6 small or 3 large chicken breasts cut into chunks
• Creole seasoning
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup Maple syrup (Pancake Syrup)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Toss Chicken breast chunks with creole seasoning.

In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat.  Brown Chicken on all sides.  It doesn’t need to be cooked through.

After browned add chicken to crockpot.

In a bowl mix Maple Syrup, sugar, and pecans.

Pour over chicken and cook in crockpot on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Serve over rice, baby spinach,  whatever you choose.

Makes 6 servings

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Fries Printable Version

• 2 Sweet potatoes
• olive oil
• creole seasoning (you could use just salt if you prefer)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Cut Sweet potato into fries.

Toss in a bowl with olive oil, then season.

Place on a foil covered baking pan in one layer and bake for 10 minutes.

Flip over fries and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until cooked through.  This will depend on how thick they were cut.

Serve!

Meal Deal

Not only is this meal delicious but economical too!  Chicken breasts are on sale $1.99/lb this week at Publix!  Here is the cost breakdown.  I made this for much cheaper because I had items in my stockpile.  I only had to purchase the salad.  I had everything else on hand!

2lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.99/lb = $3.98

Pecans approx $3.50

Pancake Syrup approx $2.50

Sweet Potatoes approx $0.50/lb ($2)

Salad Blend approx $2.25

Total= $14.23

Divide by 6 Servings

$2.37 per serving!

You can make this for less if you have these items on hand!

If you are looking for more Crockpot Recipes just check here