Apple Chips

Ok this one is simple you don't need anything special, use the directions for what you have and make it work.

APPLE CHIPS
Prep : 10 mins
drying time varies 

3 lbs firm apples any variety will do
2 cups water
1/4 cup lemon juice

-combine water and lemon juice in large bowl
wash apples 

*peeling apples is optional I personally leave them on
core and slice into even thickness 1/4 inch or less (I use an Apple Machine to make this process easier) 






- place apples as you slice them into water mixture and let soak until you have sliced all of the apples, the lemon juice will help deter the apples from turning brown.







Transfer the sliced apples directly from the bowl onto baking sheets of you will be using an oven to dry them or drying trays if using the dehydrator method.
Be sure to place the apples on a single layer trying not to overlap the edges




-if using a dehydrator set the temp for 325 degrees or follow the manufacturers directions. 
-For a gas/electric oven, set to 200 degrees 
another alternative for those who have a gas oven, placing them apples in the warming drawer while you prepare dinner or other foods will also work, takes much longer but if you don't mind waiting, it doesn't cost anything extra. 

You can tell the apples are done when they feel like a soft leather, but are not crisp.
You can either store the dried apples in a airtight container in a cool dark place, or in the refrigerator. 

What's in your Pantry?

 
Ever wonder what to make for dinner?

Having a key few items always gives me a few go -to meals when I've procrastinated to long on dinner preparations. Im Thankful to have a well-stocked pantry. After all in these long winter months, we are a family of 7,  we definitely rely on it. Although to those who don't know me, My Pantry might look a little bland, but I can assure you there is much more there to work with.

These are my must haves:

 

Fruits and Vegetables potatoes  Apples Onions Carrots	Dried Goods rice Pasta Flour Salt, pepper and sugar Cereal
In the fridge Eggs Milk bread	In the Freezer  Ground Beef Frozen Vegetables Bread
Canned Tomatoes Soups Vegetables Tuna Apple juice

When I shop I am always looking for sales to build up my stockpile. I generally have an idea of what's going to grace my table for the next week, so my grocery trips are strategically planned with very few extra items being added to the shopping cart.  A great tip when shopping on a budget, and sticking to it.

Corn Dog Batter

CORN DOG BATTER

 

This recipe was created to appease one of my boys who has an appreciation for pogo's which apparently was in great supply after visiting a friends house. Knowing my frugalness he would always hesitate, but just couldn't resist asking during our trips to the grocery store.

Ingredients - makes enough batter for 32 hotdogs
2 cups flour , and half cup for dredging
2 cups cornmeal
4 tsp baking powder
 pinch of salt
 pinch of sugar
 2 cups of milk
4 eggs

Directions
1. Mix dry ingredients
2. Mix in eggs and milk ,
Batter should be thick, add more milk if its too stiff, or more flour if its too runny
3. Insert sticks into dogs and dredge in flour . Dip Hotdogs into batter.
4. Deep fry in 365 degree oil until golden brown

Recipe can be increased or decreased easily. Batter can be used for just about anything you can think of to fry including vegetables. I personally like Fried Zucchini.

My Son's perspective
" Last nights corn dogs were very exquisite. There definitely the best corn dogs I've ever had. The only problem was that the breading was too stuffy" Total Rating 9.5 out of 10