One of the easiest ways to save money
on groceries is to purchase the meat which is on sale each week. Of
course, if you buy 5 to 10 pounds of the same meat how can you fix meals
that will be different, and yet take advantage of that huge sale price?
Each month I will feature a different
cut of meat, and give you two main recipes, plus suggestions for side dishes
and leftovers. This month I am featuring boneless chicken.
Now remember, even on sale, this is
more expensive then many meats, but you can do so much with just a small
amount that it really is a good deal, and very healthy!
Basic Shopping list:
4-5 pounds boneless chicken breast
10 flour or corn tortillas
shredded cheddar, Monterey jack or colby cheese
lettuce
2 tomatoes
sour cream
2 cans, or one frozen bag, of corn
Box of spanish or mexican rice
chili powder
salsa of your choice
white vinegar
First Meal:
Grilled or Sautéed Chicken
Tacos
2 pounds chicken (or about 1/2 your
purchase)
chili powder
oil
salt/pepper
salsa
sour cream
lettuce
one tomato
rice
corn
To prepare meat: rinse
the chicken breast , brush with oil and sprinkle both sides with chile
powder,salt and pepper. Right before you start the chicken fix the
rice according to directions. I like to use the microwave because it cooks
by itself while I am cooking the chicken.
You may cook the chicken breasts on
the grill turning frequently and cooking until just done. Too long, and they
will dry out. When done, cut into strips. OR, you may slice first and then
sprinkle with spices and sauté in a pan with the oil until just done.
About 1/2 way through either way, add some salsa to coat the chicken and
continue cooking.
When the rice is finished, place the
corn into a microwave safe container and cook about 4 to 5 minutes.
Lastly, heat the tortillas on a paper
plate with a damp paper towel for about 45 seconds. Slice the chicken, chop
the tomato and cut some lettuce. Place the shredded cheese in a bowl.
I place the above items, the sour cream,
salsa and the side dishes on the table. Now everyone can get creative and
fix their tacos any way they choose! Sometimes the rice and corn end up right
on a tortilla!
Second meal:
Marinated Chicken
Remaining chicken breasts
vinegar (see note)
chili powder
garlic or onion powder (optional)
lettuce
tomatoes
cheese
all leftovers
First, gather your leftover rice, corn
and chicken(chopped) and mix them together. Place in a microwave safe bowl
with lid, add a small amount of water and mix again. Put aside. Also, chop
your tomato, tear the remaining lettuce and add any odd salad vegetables
you may have. Place in salad bowl. Mix and sprinkle with the shredded cheese.
If you have enough cheese left, then split between the salad and the rice.
To prepare your chicken: rinse
and pat dry, then sprinkle with chile powder, salt and pepper. In a shaker
jar, mix 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water. Add one tsp. chili powder, and 1/4
tsp. garlic powder, a dash of salt and pepper. Shake. You can also put this
in a small bowl and use a brush. Place chicken on the grill or broiler.
To really keep the chicken moist you
must baste every two or three minutes with the mixture and turn the chicken.
It should only take about 15-20 minutes to cook if they are not too thick.
Test with a knife to make sure the meat is cooked. Remove to plate.
Heat the left over rice mixture for
about 2 minutes in the microwave, stir and heat one more minute or until
heated through. Serve with the chicken, and your salad plus the dressing
your family enjoys.
Note: You may use any vinegar that
you have on hand. White, cider, wine or herb vinegar. I make my own herbal
vinegar which is very inexpensive and use it for everything. But all the
vinegars will work, so use whatever you happen to have!
About the Author:
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer and mom to three kids living in the Midwest. For more gardening fun visit her at Old Fashioned Living
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