good food on a budget

A Savory Solution to Stretch Your Grocery Budget

Published

2 years ago

August 23, 2022

Rebecca Washington

(Family Features) In today’s world, grocery shopping can seem more like a burden than an opportunity to gather supplies for your family’s favorite meals. With prices of everyday ingredients fluctuating almost daily, it’s important for many families to make their dollars go further at the store.

Easy ways to stretch your grocery budget, like using versatile ingredients, can make the checkout experience a little less impactful on your household’s finances. Consider the benefits of mushrooms, which provide a delicious option to enhance flavor in favorite recipes while extending portions in an affordable way.

Save Money

Stretch your dollars by stretching your meals using a process called “The Blend.” Blending finely chopped mushrooms with ground meat can extend portion sizes of your favorite meaty recipes and help your bottom line. Chop your favorite mushroom variety to match the consistency of ground meat, blend the chopped mushrooms and meat together then cook to complete the recipe. For burgers, use a blend of 25% finely chopped mushrooms and 75% ground meat. For tacos or chili, use 50% mushrooms and 50% meat or an even higher mushroom-to-meat ratio.

Savor the Flavor

The savory umami taste of mushrooms means a flavorful experience in blended recipes like burgers, where the chopped mushrooms help hold in the juiciness. Or, you can chop, quarter, slice or enjoy them whole in recipes like Garlic-Rosemary Butter Roasted Chicken Thighs and Veggies with Mushroom Orzo Risotto, Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup or Blended Pasta Sauce paired with your favorite pasta.

One Carton, Multiple Dishes

Thanks to mushrooms’ versatility, you can buy one large carton of mushrooms to chop up then bulk up multiple dishes, from a morning omelet to hearty soups to blended burgers.

Serve Up Nutrition

Low-calorie, low-sodium, fat-free and cholesterol-free, mushrooms are nutrient rich and can play a starring role in a variety of meals. With an array of fresh varieties and nearly endless ways to prepare them, they can be your powerhouse from the produce department.

Find more recipe ideas and ways to make the most of your grocery store dollars at MushroomCouncil.com.

Garlic-Rosemary Butter Roasted Chicken Thighs and Veggies with Mushroom Orzo Risotto

Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks, MS, RD, on behalf of the Mushroom Council
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Chicken:

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
16 ounces mushrooms, such as white button, crimini or portabella, quartered
3 zucchinis, sliced in half moons
3 large carrots, thinly sliced
4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed and roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced

Orzo:

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
16 ounces mushrooms, such as white button, crimini or portabella, finely chopped
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup white wine
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

To make chicken: Preheat oven to 450 F.
Pat chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. In large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Sear chicken until brown on both sides, 4-5 minutes on each side.
In large bowl, toss mushrooms, zucchinis and carrots with rosemary and garlic.
On large baking sheet, spread vegetables. Nestle chicken into vegetables. Drizzle with butter and juices from pan.
Bake 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
To make orzo: In small pot over medium-low heat, warm broth.
Using skillet from chicken over medium heat, add butter and olive oil. Add onion, garlic and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften, 3-4 minutes.
Add orzo and black pepper. Stir and cook orzo 2 minutes. Add white wine and cook until evaporated, about 1 minute.
Add broth to orzo, 2/3 cup at a time, stirring until liquid is absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth, waiting until last batch is absorbed before adding next. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan.
Serve in individual bowls with chicken and roasted vegetables atop mushroom orzo risotto.

Blended Pasta Sauce

Recipe courtesy of the Mushroom Council

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound mushrooms (such as white button, crimini or portabella), finely chopped
1 pound 80% lean ground beef
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

cooked pasta
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
grated Parmesan cheese

In large pot over medium heat, add oil and cook onions, stirring occasionally, until just soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are soft and reduced in size.
Add ground beef, Italian seasoning and salt; cook until browned throughout, about 6 minutes, stirring and breaking up lumps. Skim off fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
Stir in marinara sauce and reduce heat to low. Cook 10 minutes.
Serve over cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and top with grated Parmesan.

Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup

Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks, MS, RD, on behalf of the Mushroom Council
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, small diced
8 ounces mushrooms, such as white button, crimini or portabella, sliced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
3 cups vegetable broth
6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
5 ounces fresh baby spinach
1 cup whole milk ricotta
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping

Heat large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and mushrooms soften, 4-5 minutes.
Add marinara, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, basil, salt, oregano, pepper, bay leaf and broth. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to low and simmer. Add lasagna noodles and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and spinach until wilted, 2-3 minutes.
Divide between bowls and top each with dollop of ricotta and sprinkle of mozzarella.

SOURCE:
Mushroom Council

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Author

Rebecca Washington

Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington View all posts

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Food and Beverage

Bring the Taste of Takeout Home

Published

1 day ago

October 8, 2024

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Some nights, especially when schedules are jam packed, the allure of grabbing takeout or swinging through a drive-thru between activities may sound more appealing than spending time in the kitchen. You can skip the to-go boxes, however, with these tasty Asian-inspired dishes that come together almost as fast as delivery while allowing you to get creative at mealtime.

Packed with fresh shrimp and crispy veggies, this Crab and Shrimp Sushi Burrito fuses some favorite takeout dishes together to satisfy cravings in half an hour. Using Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice, which cooks up soft and fluffy, provides a flavorful and aromatic base. This combination of seafood, homemade sauces and flavorful veggies makes for an unforgettable taste experience comparable to your favorite quick-serve restaurant.

Or let your kitchen appliances help create a satisfying, soothing take on a Thai classic. A quick and easy bowl of deliciousness that’s sure to comfort the whole family, this Thai Red Curry Chicken and Rice Soup features chicken, lime juice, Thai red curry and coconut milk mixed with basmati rice.

Ready in just 10 minutes, Success Boil-in-Bag Basmati Rice is quick, easy and mess-free, and it’s guaranteed to always cook right – just place the bag in chicken broth to experience the long-grain rice’s subtle, nutty flavor and unique texture. Plus, Success Rice is free from artificial additives and unprocessed ingredients, so you can feel good about serving it with a variety of dishes.

Find more recipe inspiration to tackle takeout cravings and more at SuccessRice.com.

Crab and Shrimp Sushi Burrito

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
2tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1tablespoon black sesame seeds
4 sushi nori sheets
1/2 carrot, ribboned, divided
1/2 cucumber, ribboned, divided
6 crab sticks, shredded, divided
6 large shrimp, cooked, deveined, tails removed and butterflied, divided

Rinse rice bag under cold water to remove starch. Prepare rice according to package directions.
In small saucepan over medium-low heat, heat rice vinegar, sugar and salt until sugar and salt have dissolved, about 1 minute. Set aside.
In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
Transfer cooked rice onto large baking sheet. Drizzle half the vinegar mixture over rice, turning until all rice is fully coated. Taste and add more vinegar mixture, if desired. Spread rice into thin layer and cool to room temperature. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Lay down one sushi nori sheet. Spread layer of rice on it. Place half the carrots and cucumbers on rice. Place crab and shrimp on top.
Place another sushi nori sheet just under first one and roll. Repeat with remaining sushi nori sheets, rice, carrots, cucumbers, crab and shrimp. Wrap both burritos in plastic wrap. Let rest 10 minutes.
Slice burritos in half and serve with spicy mayo.

Thai Red Curry Chicken and Rice Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

6 cups chicken broth
2 bags Success Basmati Rice
1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 pound chicken breast tenders
2 tablespoons lime juice
4 green onions, thinly sliced

In pressure cooker on saute setting over high heat, bring broth and rice bags to boil. Boil, uncovered, 10 minutes. Remove bags with fork and set aside.
Add coconut milk, curry paste, soy sauce and brown sugar to pressure cooker. Turn off saute setting. Add chicken. Cover and lock to seal. Set to pressure cook setting over high heat about 10 minutes, or until chicken is tender. Carefully, manually or naturally, release pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions before removing lid.
Set pressure cooker to saute setting over medium heat. Remove chicken and shred with two forks; add to soup along with lime juice and green onions. Remove rice from bags and stir into soup. Simmer until rice is heated through.

SOURCE:
Success Rice

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Food and Beverage

Homemade Meals to Tackle Takeout Cravings

Published

1 week ago

September 29, 2024

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Many busy weeknights come down to one decision for frazzled families: cook at home or give in to takeout cravings. Instead of stressing over a decision, enjoy the best of both worlds and make Asian-inspired dishes from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Cure for takeout cravings

Featuring a blend of chilled, freshly chopped vegetables; ready-to-eat, pre-cooked noodles; gourmet dressing sauce; and crispy toppings, Fresh Express Hot or Cold Salad and Noodle Meal Kits offer two meal options in every bag – hot or cold – so you can make your salad, your way. Available in Teriyaki, Asian Sweet Ginger and Korean Sesame flavors, they’re the perfect inspiration for making takeout-style dishes at home.

Consider this Marinated Teriyaki Steak with Teriyaki Noodle Salad recipe, which combines juicy steak with crisp vegetables and pre-cooked Udon noodles for the ultimate at-home comfort food in an effortless meal. For a quick and delicious solution that may just become a family go-to, these Teriyaki Tofu Bowls are jam-packed with flavor, noodles and fresh veggies.

These homemade favorites feature a delicious blend of broccoli, red and green cabbage, kale, shredded carrots, radish and green onions in Fresh Express’s Hot or Cold Teriyaki Salad and Noodle Meal Kit. The vegetable blend is tossed with pre-cooked Udon noodles, white sesame seeds and crunchy wontons then finished with a gourmet teriyaki dressing sauce for familiar Asian flavor.

Visit freshexpress.com/hot-or-cold to discover more than 300 fresh recipes and find a store near you.

Marinated Teriyaki Steak with Teriyaki Noodle Salad

Prep time: 1 hour
Cook time: 24 minutes
Servings: 4

1/2 cup dark soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
1/2 cup unsalted chicken stock
1 pound flank steak
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 bag (16.9 ounces) Fresh Express Hot or Cold Teriyaki Salad and Noodle Meal Kit

In saucepan, add soy sauce, brown sugar, Sriracha sauce and chicken stock; bring to simmer while whisking. Simmer 4 minutes.
Cool mixture down until cool to touch, about 20 minutes.
Slice steak into thin strips and place in bowl. Pour marinade over steak and marinate for 1 hour.
In large pan over medium-high heat, stir-fry steak 2 minutes.
Remove steak from pan and allow to rest.
In same pan used for steak, add oil and cook hot or cold kit according to instructions on bag.
Add steak back to pan and stir to incorporate.
Garnish with toppings from hot or cold kit and serve.

Teriyaki Tofu Bowls

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons white pepper
2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice
1/3 cup neutral oil
1 package (16 ounces) extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 bag (16.9 ounces) Fresh Express Teriyaki Hot or Cold Salad and Noodle Meal Kit

In bowl, whisk vinegar, dark soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, white pepper and Chinese five-spice until combined.
Slowly pour oil into mixture while whisking vigorously. Place cut tofu in mixture and allow to sit 15 minutes.
Bring large saute pan to medium-high heat and place tofu in, turning when crust forms.
When tofu is finished, set aside and prepare hot or cold salad and noodle meal kit.
Serve with tofu on top of hot or cold salad and noodle meal kit.

SOURCE:
Fresh Express

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good food on a budget

Makers of the Jennie-O® Brand Share New State-By-State Consumer Insights on All Things Thanksgiving

Published

2 weeks ago

September 22, 2024

Daily News Staff

From advice on how to prep and cook a turkey, to recipes for side dishes and how to use leftovers, specialists from the JENNIE-O® brand are available around the clock in the days and weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. (PRNewsfoto/Hormel Foods Corporation)

National study reveals new data about Thanksgiving prep, trends, preferences for upcoming holiday

WILLMAR, Minn. /PRNewswire/ — The makers of the Jennie-O^® turkey brand — a trusted brand for turkey products around the world — today announced its 2024 Thanksgiving survey results, where each state was polled on their preparation methods, turkey preferences, preferred sides and much more. The survey, conducted by Talker Research for the Jennie-O^® brand, polled 5,000 consumers across the U.S.

The makers of the JENNIE-O® turkey brand today announced their 2024 Thanksgiving survey results, where each state was polled on their preparation methods, turkey preferences, preferred sides, and much more.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday and 70% of Americans polled said they have celebrated their traditions for more than 20 years. The three most cherished traditions are sharing meals together (65%), spending time with extended family or old friends (52%) and cooking together (27%).

For more information about all JENNIE-O® turkey products, including recipes, nutritional information and where to buy, visit jennieo.com.

Now, onto the survey results!

Preparation

Most people take up to two weeks to plan and cook their Thanksgiving meal. Actual food preparation for this monumental eating occasion adds another three days, and five hours of actual cooking on the day of.
The longest prep time awards go to the following states:
- Delaware: Average of 17 days guest-list planning and another 19 days of menu building
- Virginia: Spends almost 16 days picking guests (15.7) and nearly 17 days (16.6) on the menu
- North Carolina: Averages a little more than 17 days (17.4) on its menu alone

The Star of the Thanksgiving Table: Turkey (and a Surprise Guest)

66% of respondents prefer their turkey baked.
To brine or not to brine? 63% said NO to brining.
Oklahomans would rather their turkey be smoked more than any other state.
While most Americans prepare their turkey the same every year, keeping with their traditions, more than 30% of Americans change it up every holiday season.
In addition to a turkey, nearly 40% of Americans also like to have ham on the table with preferences being baked (68%), smoked (18%) and slow cooked (18%).

The Thanksgiving Table: Let’s Talk About Sides

61% of Americans believe that turkey is the star of the meal, while a little more than two in five respondents in Idaho (43%) and Kansas (41%) believe that the side dishes are the unsung heroes.
The most popular sides: stuffing (77%), rolls/biscuits (66%), classic mashed potatoes (60%) and cranberry sauce (55%).
Americans from the southeast also enjoy mac and cheese — Georgia at 62%, Mississippi at 58% and South Carolina at 55%.

Thanksgiving and Beyond

Almost every American surveyed (96%) enjoys Thanksgiving leftovers:
- 44% use turkey in a sandwich
- 41% incorporate turkey into other meals
- 32% go on to recreate the actual Thanksgiving meal
More than one in five (22%) would rather keep their leftovers for themselves than send some home with their guests

“Thanksgiving continues to be one of America’s most cherished holidays, bringing families and friends together to share meaningful moments and meals,” said Kim Anderson, senior brand manager for the Jennie-O® brand. “We’re committed to helping ensure your holiday meal is a success with our quality turkeys and our wide range of services and resources. From expert advice on turkey preparation to tools for every step of the process, we’re here to support you with any turkey-related challenge.”

Starting Nov. 1, Jennie-O consumer engagement experts will be on hand to help alleviate stress around holiday meal planning at the company’s 1-800-TURKEYS hotline, live chat on the Jennie-O^® website, and even by texting “Turkey” to 73876. From advice on how to prep and cook a turkey, to recipes for side-dishes and how to use leftovers, consumers can reach out for real time support through Nov. 28, via the method that is most convenient for them. In the days leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, Jennie-O specialists are available around the clock.

Consumers can also find helpful how-tos on their website including a calculator that tells hosts how much turkey to buy, full menus for Thanksgiving dinner and inspiring suggestions for preparing tasty leftovers. Jennie-O offers easy solutions for any holiday meal and are here to help make this year’s Thanksgiving the best yet.

For more information about all Jennie-O^® turkey products, including recipes, nutritional information and where to buy, visit jennieo.com or follow the brand on social media at Facebook.com/JennieoTurkey and Instagram.com/jennieo.

About Jennie-O
For over 80 years, the Jennie-O^® turkey brand has been helping consumers live well by eating well. As the category leader, Jennie-O^® turkey is the trusted brand for quality turkey and a source of expertise. The company provides a full portfolio of delicious, nutritious turkey proteins and inspiration for everyday meals or special occasions. Known for our bright green awning evoking the nostalgia of a local farmer stand, our round logo with a touch of yellow and our distinct name from our founders’ daughter, Jennifer, the Jennie-O^® turkey brand has the right amount of small-town friendliness paired with leading company expertise and quality. For more information, visit jennieo.com.

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.