Category Archives: Food

Frugal Snacks

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Most of us think of the processed junk above when we crave a snack. That stuff is not only bad for you, it’s bad for the wallet. Here are some ideas for frugal snacks that are healthier:

*Apples – whole or sliced. Very good dipped in honey or peanut butter
*Baby carrots – often on sale for $1.00/bag
*Celery sticks – dip for extra flavor
*Cherry tomatoes – good with some salad dressing
*Tortillas – savory or sweet, try peanut butter/honey or melted cheese
*Yogurt – homemade or store bought on sale. Add some nuts or berries.
*Bananas – can be as cheap as $0.29/Lb!
*Cheese and crackers – buy cheese in blocks on sale & cut up
*Dried fruit – I love raisins and apricots.
*Cereal – Cheerios and strawberries in almond milk is my fav!
*Smoothies – great way to use up leftover fruit those might get trashed

 

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*Muffins – make a big batch and freeze extra
*Bread – with butter or jam
*Trail mix – nuts, fruit, sunflower seeds and chocolate chips
*Popcorn – add some Cajun seasoning for a kick
*Burritos – bean, cheese, or meat
*Potatoes – baked, roasted, steamed, fries
*Bagels – with cream cheese, peanut butter, or plain
*Fruit salad – use any fruit that’s on sale and in season
*Hummus – healthy and tasty when you crave a creamy texture
*Eggs – deviled or hard-boiled

 

I don’t usually buy snacks unless I can get them free with coupons (Quaker rice cakes, Chex mix, candy). It’s nice to have some on hand in case I need an emergency munchies, but I don’t advocate eating that way on a regular basis.

 

What’s your favorite snack?
 

Marinated Cucumbers

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Marinated cucumbers have to qualify as the world’s easiest side dish. This version is quick to prepare, uses cheap ingredients, and is completely pareve. It would work perfectly for Passover. *Note to my readers: If you want Kosher for Passover dressing, buy it or make your own.

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All you need are cukes (regular or English variety) and salad dressing (any type of vinaigrette.) I love using red wine vinaigrette because it makes the dish so colorful. I can get cukes on sale 2/$1.00 and the dressing for $0.50. Even if you’re paying full-price, this is affordable for a large party.

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Cut down the sides and remove the seeds. Toss the seeds or save them for another dish.

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Dice the cukes. It can be large or small. I prefer them on the larger side; they seem to get less soggy that way.

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Mix the diced cukes with dressing. Just eyeball it, no precision required. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is better. I’ve kept marinated cucumbers for a couple days without an issue. Right before serving, add salt and pepper. Do not salt in advance. Salt draws out water and makes this dish mushy. Adding the salt at the last minute ensures a crisp result.

 

Do you like cucumbers?

Tilapia Delight

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This recipe is so easy to make and so delicious to eat, I call it Tilapia Delight. The taste is exceptionally mild. Even so-called fish haters have been known to sample a bite.

Start by assembling the ingredients. I used some frozen Tilapia, minced garlic, lemon, and Smart Balance.

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Place the fish into a 9X13 Pyrex.

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At my house, I usually make 2 fish fillets per person, since fish isn’t super filling. Adjust accordingly, based on how many you’re serving.

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Grab a glass measuring cup. Put in 3 tsp. of Smart Balance, the juice of 2 lemons, and 1 tsp. of garlic. Microwave for a minute until it’s blended/melted. Pour the contents over the fish and top with breadcrumbs. If you have homemade, use those. If not, use Panko. It’s fine either way. Add some salt/pepper to taste, if inclined.

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Bake in a 400 degree oven for approximately 18 minutes. Spoon any accumulated pan juice on top.

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See how easy that was? Tilapia Delight pairs beautifully with asparagus, as featured. I also like it with string beans. For the starch, go with rice or mashed potatoes. If you’re being a very good girl, just veggies. (FYI: I ate the potatoes!)

 

What’s your favorite fish?