Roasted Banana Oatmeal Pecan Muffins

I love banana muffins.  It is one of those things that just smells amazing when it is baking and then taste even better warm and slathered with butter.  There are always bananas at my house so inevitably there are also some that get a little over-ripe.  Some people throw them away, which is a waste of money, when instead you can make delicious banana bread or muffins.  This recipe is inspired by Chiquita's Oatmeal Raisin Banana Muffins, which are also delicious, but I decided to change a few steps.  It uses things most people have in their kitchen already so it really is a very cost effective recipe.  These are a little more dense than regular muffins because of the larger quantity of oats.  But this makes them a very hearty and filling addition to breakfast or any meal.

Roasted Banana Oatmeal Pecan Muffins

1/4      Cup, Oats (old-fashion or quick cooking)

1/4      teaspoon, Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon

1         Tablespoon, Brown Sugar (Packed)

1         Tablespoon, Butter (Melted)

2         Whole, Bananas (Leave in peel at first)

1         Each, Large Egg (Beaten)

3/4      Cup, Milk or Buttermilk

1         Cup, Flour

1         Cup, Oats

3/4      Cup, Brown Sugar (Packed)

1         teaspoon, Baking Soda

2         teaspoon, Baking Powder

1/2      teaspoon, Salt

1/4      Cup, Pecans (Chopped and can substitute with your favorite nut)

1/2      teaspoon, Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 400F.  Line a muffin pan with paper cups.

2. When oven is preheated place the two bananas on a sheet pan and roast until peel is completely brown and you can smell bananas in your kitchen.  Using a fork scrape out inside of banana into a medium bowl. Place bowl into fridge so that roasted banana can cool.

3. For the topping combine 1/4 Oats, 1/4 tsp. pumpkin spice or cinnamon, 1 Tbsp. brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. melted butter.  Set aside.

4. I toasted my pecans in a small saute pan for a few minutes to help bring out the flavor.  I also toast nuts for this reason, but it is not a necessary step.  Afterward, chop the nuts using a food chopper, rolling pin or meat tenderizer.

5. In a large bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, oats, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and nuts.

6. Once banana is cool, add milk and egg to the medium bowl.  Mix together and then pour into the larger bowl of dry ingredients.  Mix until combined, batter will be lumpy.

7.  Divide batter evenly into the muffin cups.  An ice cream scoop works great for this.  Sprinkle the reserved topping over each muffin.

8.  Bake at 400F for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, or with only dry crumbs on it.

Try to resist not cutting one in half right out of the oven and spreading butter on it.  Enjoy!

Homemade Flour Tortillas

I recently borrowed the book "Make the bread, buy the butter" by Jennifer Reese.  It is an entertaining cookbook/short story collection about her way to discover if homemade is better than commercially made.  This book is not necessarily about saving money, going organic, or down playing commercial food.  It is however very entertaining and easy to read.  She breaks down each recipe by "Make it or buy it?", "Hassle", and "Cost Comparison."  Some of her attempts are funny, to the point I laughed out loud.  There are many recipes I bookmarked to try and the first one was homemade flour tortillas.  Now as she states commercially made ones are convenient and work just fine, however they are actually really easy to make at home.  I did find them a little more dense and floury tasting that I am used to, but they also are not slick and packed with preservatives and other chemicals to make them shelf stable and uniform.  They do not last long for this reason but for how easy they are to make and yummy you won't have many leftovers.

Homemade Flour Tortillas

3      Cups, All-Purpose Flour
3/4   Teaspoon, Kosher Salt (any salt will work, I like kosher flavor better)
5      Tablespoons, Vegetable oil, lard, or shortening (I used vegetable oil)
3/4   Cup, Water

1. Combine flour and salt.  Add the fat, mixing until the flour forms clumps.  It will look like loose pie dough.  Add 3/4 cup water and mix until ingredients come together and form a dough.  I had to add a tablespoon or so more of water to help my dough come together.  It should not be sticky at all and comes together quite easily.  I used my hands to mix it up.

2. Knead until smooth and tender.  Do not over knead it.  Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll into balls.  They should be a little larger than a golf ball.  Cover with a clean/damp dish towel, and let rest on the counter for 20 minutes.

3. Heat an un-greased skillet until very hot.  I used a 10" skillet so that I had space.  With a rolling pin, roll each ball into a 6-8" circle.  You don't have to get them paper thin or perfect, this is part of the homemade charm.  Roll them as thin as you are comfortable with and so you can still lift them up.  You should not need to add flour to your mat or counter to roll these out.

4. Place one tortilla at a time on the skillet and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute.  You will see it start to puff.  Turn it over and cook the other side for the same amount of time.  You should have a nice white tortilla with some brown patches.  Stack on a plate with a clean towel or napkin between each one.  Finish cooking all the tortillas and serve immediately.

I made The Pampered Chef's 10 minute microwave chicken fajitas to go along with it.  And along with some cheese and salsa these were delicious soft shell tacos.  I urge you to at least try it once.  They were honestly so much easier than I imagined and you don't need any special tools.  Enjoy!

200 Views...Thank You!

I just wanted to pass on a big thank you for already having 200 views of my new blog, The Penny Pinch.  I know many of us are trying to save money in any way we can and I appreciate the support of this blog.  Please comment on any of the posts and share it with your friends and family on Facebook or other sites.  Please also feel free to "pin" any of these articles on Pinterest to help spread the word as well.

If you have not already "Liked" our Facebook page please click on the link on the right side of the screen.  The Facebook page is updated whenever there is a new post on the blog and various tips and tricks as well.

And if you ever have any suggestions or something you would like to see please share!  Happy penny pinching!

Couponing: Tips & Tricks

Being as I am someone who needs to save money in anyway I can, I have  taken up a love for couponing.  Now I am not an extreme couponer by any means and do not have a stockpile large enough to fill a bomb shelter.  However I do use coupons to get groceries and deals whenever possible.  It is FREE money and millions of dollars in coupons go unused every year.  So here are a few tips and tricks I have learned along the way.

- Check your grocery store to see if they accept store competitor coupons.  This can be a HUGE savings in many cases.  Publix, my local store, for example varies from location to location on what other store's coupons they accept.  Mine accepts Target, Winn-Dixie, Whole Foods and more.  Publix also accepts store brand coupons to use on their own brand.  For example you can use a coupon for Market Pantry (Target's brand) on Publix brand items.

- Most stores allow one manufacture and one store coupon per item.  So it is a good deal when you can find both to use on one item.  There are limits as with any coupon deal so read fine print carefully.

- Buy 1 Get 1 Free (also known as B1G1) deals can be a coupon person's dream.  The reason being is that you can use 4 coupons on the deal.  Remember 1 store and 1 manufacture coupon can be used per item.  Well even though you are getting one free, you can still use coupons on the free item.  This can result in huge savings and sometimes even free items.
                    

ie.  Pop Secret is on sale B1G1.  It is priced at $3.99 a box.   You immediately have to see it as $1.99 a box because you are getting one free, so divide the price in half.  Then let's say you have a coupon for $0.50 off 1 box.  If you have two of them use them on both boxes which will knock off $1 off the total.  Therefore you are paying $2.99 for two boxes, then if you divide in half that is $1.49 a box, for a total savings of $4.99 of the original retail price.  If you had a store coupon to use with the manufacture coupon, the savings would be even bigger.

- Always look for store extras like using reusable bags, store cards like the Target Debit Card which gives you 5% every purchase, and other coupon booklets as you enter the store.

- I only get one paper a week and print most of my coupons online. This does mean that at times I do not have multiple coupons to use on B1G1 deals, but I just don't see the need to get 20 papers and save coupons for months to rifle through.  I honestly don't have that kind of time.  Now if I know a great deal is coming up I will buy some papers or ask friends.  However many coupons are available online now and print up just as easy, and you don't need a subscription to the paper.

-  The last tip is to be organized when you go.  Put all coupons you are going to use in an envelope.  Write a list of the items you are getting.  As you shop check the coupons and prices to make sure the deal will work and is worth it.  Sometimes just because you have a coupon doesn't mean it is cheaper than the store brand.  You need to be flexible with what brands you get of things if you want the better deal.  Also do not buy things that you will not use just because you have coupons, that is called hoarding.   If you can't use up 10 bottles of salad dressing before they expire, then probably not a good idea to get 10.

There are many more things to go along with this, but this gives you a basic insight.  I count it as a win when I can save 40-50% of what the original total was.  I have had savings of 70% before as well, so it can be done.  I honestly don't spend much more than 30 min or so before I grocery shop to get everything ready, unless I have a bigger more complicated trip to do.  Below are the websites I use, so feel free to bookmark and visit them!

Totally Target - This is a site devoted to Target.  Weekly ads are posted with deals associated with them, contest, tips, and other ways to save at the best store ever.

Coupon Mom - This is one of the original sites that came up years ago.  She wrote a book on couponing and has been on all sorts of TV shows.  Her site can be a little hard to navigate but she does list many store each week and the coupon deals to be had at each.  There are also tutorials.

I Heart Publix - This is my local grocery store.  It can be a bit pricey for things, but is a great comfortable place to shop.  Their weekly B1G1 free deals and acceptance of many store competitors make it a great place to coupon.

Saving Well, Spending Less - And finally this is my favorite site.  This lady has put together a great easy to read site for coupons.  She also post deals she finds on amazon and other websites.  Because of her I was notified of a very cheap laser printer on Amazon that was only available for a few hours.  She has a large list of stores, national and local, and a list of their ads each week with coupon match ups.  She does the work for you and all you need to do is print or clip the coupons she says and the deal is yours.  She also has a great online coupon lesson that takes you week by week at slow steps to get used to it.  This site also has a sister site which is a blog about living on a budget and has some great tips as well.

Enjoy and Happy Shopping!

DIY Detox Bath

We all need some stress relief in our daily lives.  Baths are one of the most relaxing things to do.  Just sit back and let your body melt away in the soothing warm water, music playing, eyes closed...ahhh.  There are many therapeutic types of bath to takes and today I am going to share with you a easy and cheap detox bath that you can take.  Detox baths go way back to ancient times.  In detoxification groups and practice the skin is known as the "third kidney",  meaning it is used as a way of ridding the body of toxins.  The point of the bath is to rid the body of toxins by opening your pores up and sweating it out.  The bath also provides your body with minerals and nutrients that it can absorb as well.

Detox Bath

First set aside 45-60 minutes for the whole bath process. It is also a good idea to do this towards the end of the day or on a day you have no where to go.  This will leave you tired and very relaxed so it is not wise to do much of anything after but rest.

Run a bath with comfortably hot water.  Add the following ingredients, amounts can be adjusted for larger tubs:

2 Cups Epsom Salt - Epsom salt, also known as Magnesium Sulfate, is found in the pharmacy area of your store and can also be found in the garden center area in larger bags.  Epsom salt alone makes a great bath because the magnesium helps to prevent hypertension and the sulfate helps to form brain proteins and healthy tissues in your joints.  It is great for sore muscles as well.

1-2 Cups Baking Soda - Baking Soda is of course a very common ingredient and can be found in the baking aisle.  It can also be found in larger boxes in the cleaning aisle as well as the garden section in some stores.  Baking soda is known for its cleaning properties, is anti-fungal as well as a great skin softener.  You will feel very refreshed with this in your bath.

Ground Ginger - This can be added in amounts ranging from 1 Tbsp to 1/3 cup depending on your skin sensitivity.  This is added to increase the heat level of your skin causing you to sweat easily.  It may turn your skin red for a little while because of the increased heat, therefore start small and add what is comfortable to you.  This is a great addition to the bath to help push the toxins out but also great when sick because it really helps you sweat out that bug you are trying to get rid of.

Essential Oils, Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils - You can add any of your favorite oils and herbs to help add to the enjoyment of your bath. I have rosemary growing readily on my patio so I chose that.  Mint helps to increase the warming sensation, while chamomile and lavender help to soothe.  It is really up to you, and also not necessary for the bath.

TIPS:

- Drink plenty of water before, during and after the bath.  You will get dehydrated from all the sweating.  Treat this as if you are having a massage.  If you choose to ignore drinking water you will feel sick like the flu as the toxins are released and exit your body.

- It is reccomended that you stay in the bath for at least 20 minutes, and up to 40 if you can.  You really want to allow at least 20 minutes for the sweat glands to open and start releasing and another 20 to soak up the healthy nutrients in the bath.  If you feel like it is just too hot in the bath, feel free to add some cooler water to the tub.

- After the bath continue drinking water and just relax.  You may watch a tv show or two, but chances are you will want to go to sleep. Which is fine but make sure you drink enough water before.  Yes, I know I keep repeating that!

- Apple Cider Vinegar has also been suggested to help increase positive acids in your body that aid in things like fighting acne.

- BE CAREFUL when getting out of the tub, the salts make the tub slippery.

- DO NOT use this bath if you are prone to high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems, or pregnant.

- Do not eat immediately before or after your bath.

- I am not a doctor or medical expert.  Please research the addition of any other items to the bath as they may have harmful effects.


So sit back, relax, and detox those nasty toxins away.  Consider making a large batch of this mixture with some good smelling oil and give as a gift as well.

Crock Pot Bean & Ham Soup...$6

I love bean soup.  The smoky ham flavor, the saltiness, and the richness.  So I was happy to come across a really easy recipe that only cost $6 to make!

First chop one onion. I also had some carrots in the fridge so chopped those up as well.  Now if you have or want celery you can also do that as well.  The traditional soup starter is onions, carrots, and celery.  I did not have any celery so skipped it this time.  Place chopped veggies in crock pot. 

Add two ham shanks/hocks.

Add one bag of Great Northern beans or the beans of your choice.

Add 48oz of chicken, or the stock of your choice, to the pot.  I chose the low sodium stock because of the saltiness already in the ham.  You can also add more stock if you want to fill the pot up more or have a larger crock pot.

Simmer on low for 6-8 hours or until beans are cooked.  Your house will smell amazing as the delicious ham shanks cook down.  I then added salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary from my garden.





Remove the ham shanks and discard the bones.  Chop or pull apart the meat and add back to the pot.

Then I like my soup to have a little more body to it, so I pureed some of it.  I took my Pampered Chef Manual Food Processor and pureed about 1 1/2 - 2 cups of the soup and pour back in. 

And there you have it.  A cheap and easy meal with little effort.  Serve with a side of some nice crusty bread or fluffy biscuits and you are ready to go!

DIY Reusable Dryer "Sheets"

I have loved my homemade laundry soap and fabric softener so much that I wanted to complete the trifecta. So I researched a few homemade dryer sheet ideas and found this one I like.

1. Buy your favorite fabric softener and pour into a large container or bucket.
2. Full the fabric softener container twice with water and pour into larger container.
3. Buy a few sponges and cut in half. Place in container.
4. When needed take one sponge out and squeeze excess out. Pop in the dryer and that's it!

I uses Snuggle because it was on sale and I had a coupon. I also bought the Scott Green Sponges because I like that they are made from natural and recyclable material, plus they were on sale. I used a 6qt plastic container with a snap close lid. You could also go to your local grocery store and ask the bakery for a old frosting bucket. By only using a little bit on each sponge this will last for a long time. Plus you won't have those pesky wasteful dryer sheets showing up in random places in your house. All in all this cost me about $6.