Chicken Enchilada Pie

Here is a spinoff from a family favorite, Frito Pie, growing up.  The recipe is inspired from Linda's Low Carb Mexican Chicken recipe.  Now that school has started with after school activities, I needed a quick recipe to put together from items I already had in the freezer.

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups cooked chicken breast pieces
1 can enchilada sauce or homemade
4 oz can green chilies
Fritos corn chips
shredded cheese
shredded lettuce
diced tomatoes
sour cream

Directions:
Heat together the rice, chicken, sauce, and green chilies until warm.  I used a crockpot to put mine together.

In a 9x13 dish, layer the chips, rice mixture, cheese.  Place in microwave for about a minute, or until cheese is slightly melted.  Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for each serving.

Quick Liquid Laundry Soap

Out of laundry soap again....AGAIN!?  My small batches really should last longer than they do, or I should do less laundry for my family of six.  I prefer making smaller batches of laundry soap, to spend my time doing other things, don't you?  I mean, I don't mind making a batch of the laundry soap, I just wish it would last longer.

While on the computer today, I found this easy (really--too easy!) and quick laundry soap recipe.  And.... it works just fine!  The recipe is adapted from One Good Thing by Jillie.  I am really amazed at how effective the combination of the ingredients work together.  Since I started making my own laundry soap, before getting out of debt back in 2006, I have never seen a recipe with these ingredients mixed together.  Of course, there's the Borax and Washing Soda.  But, in place of the Ivory soap, there's Dawn Liquid Dish Soap!  (That's it?!)  And, water, of course!

Ingredients:
3/4 cup Borax
3/4 cup Washing Soda
1 gallon size pitcher of hot water
1/2 cup Dawn Liquid Dish Soap (blue)

Use a container you've got, that is convenient to you.  I used a gallon-sized pitcher that I wasn't using in my cabinet.  Measure the Borax and Washing Soda into the pitcher.  Slowly, add hot water to dissolve the powder.   When the water nears the top, without overflowing, add the Dawn and stir.  (This procedure will prevent bubbles.)

Immediately, I used it in a large load.  I measured 1/2 cup.

As the soap cooled, it did slightly thicken, but nothing in comparison to the "grated" soap kind that gelled.  However, it got all my dirty loads caught up...bummer!  (I was enjoying this new recipe!)  I cannot tell a difference in the performance of waiting for the hot batch to cool versus using it immediately.   If the liquid has settled since last used, just give it a gentle stir, before measuring to do a load.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Too bad my kids are at school right now... they are missing out on these yummy, chewy chocolate chip granola bars.  I will either have to make another quick and easy batch before they get home or only allow them to wait until tomorrow to have these.  I am very happy that these are easy to make and using up items I already have on hand.  The recipe is adapted from The Marathon Mom.  I know my grocery budget is happy to save money by making these, instead of buying another box at the store.  I like that this recipe is very forgiving, ie. it's okay to add a little a little extra oats or cereal.  I've started to have to double this recipe.  Otherwise, I'd make it 5x/week for school lunches and me!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup butter

1 cup quick oats

1 cup Rice Krispies cereal

1/2 - 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Spray an 8x8 pan with a nonstick cooking spray.  In the microwave, melt together the peanut butter, honey, and butter.  Stir until creamy.

Add oats, cereal, and chocolate chips.  Mix well.  Press into pan.  (I sprayed my utensil to keep it from sticking.)

Chill in freezer for about 10 minutes, or until firm.  Cut into bars.  Makes 12 servings.

Option:  Add any favorite fruits or nuts to mix.  Also, you can melt the chocolate before adding the cereal and oats, if you'd like.  My family prefers the chocolate chips melted.  

Quick Cheese Pizza Bites

Trying to clear out the freezer, I thawed out some hamburger buns bought on clearance that I bought a while back.  These Pizza Bites make good snacks for appetizers or meals that is quick, easy, and frugal.  I am on my second batch of buns drying out.  The first set did not last long.

Ingredients:
1 package of dried out buns (hamburger or hot dog)
Marinara
Mozzarella Cheese


Preheat oven to 400.  On a cookie sheet place dried out bun halves, with the "insides" up.

Generously, spoon marinara on each one.  It did this twice, as the bread soaked up the first layer of sauce.  I also like my pizzas saucy.

Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Bake in oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

variation:  Add pepperoni, sausage, onions, green or red bell peppers, mushrooms, etc to your liking.

Cracker Candy

Last year, while in the process of getting out of debt, I found this recipe for Cracker Candy and thought I'd give it a try.  It's a sweet and salty flavor with a crunch texture.  I like it a little too much!  The easy and quick recipe that I want to share with you is adapted from Frugal Mama.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
saltine crackers (a little less than 1 bag, 1/4 lb)
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Take a 9x13 pan, line it with parchment paper, and place it with the crackers evenly, not overlapping.  I did not use a whole bag (1/4 lb), for my 9x13 pan.  I've made it in the 10x15 pan before, but I think I like the 9x13 pan better, as it's easier for cleanup.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and sugar together.  Stir constantly to get the sugar dissolved.  Bring to boil over low heat; it won't take long at all!  Boil, stirring still, for 3 minutes.  (I have seen some recipes where they boil for 5 minutes.)

Quickly, pour the sauce over the crackers, as evenly as possible.

Place in oven for 5 minutes.   Then, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the "goop" and let melt a minute.  Then, spread the melted chocolate over the top of the candy, as best as possible.

Place in fridge for about an hour, until hardened, and break into pieces as big or as little as you'd like.